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Pnblished Weekly at »4 Weat 4«th Street, IKew Tork 1(, N. T., by Vtirlety. Ine..-, Annual ■ubacrtptlan, fio. IHiigla eopleiL H c«nta 
Snterad, M ,,»flcana-claM matter DewmbBr 82., 1405, at the Foat Otlivi at NeV' Tork, N. X., under tlui act of Ifarch t, IMt. 

coPYBirciHT, im, m vssatsn, in(?. lucsHfs besbrved. 



■ Y0Ij.'jl88 Tfo. ^. . NEW YORK, WEliNESDAY,:i)ECaglMB|^a, 1947 




s H<uv necKiy Koyaiqr rram 
'Sapennan on Fway, IstWritten in '03 



, Georgif' Bernard Shaw, who wrote*- 
his first plajt, In ISMJ now has the ' 
biggest hoxsKlce hit of his career. 
It is the'Mawrlce Evans revival oi 
"Man and Superman," which the 9U 
year-old dramatist wrote in 1903 and 
which, was first prdduced in London 
in 1905. , • 

The production at the Alvin, N. Y.', 
Is grossing apprjpximately $31,500. a 
Weelc, ^e exact amount depending 
on thft • nujiabep ot standees. At 
. Shaw's .regular 15% royalty, that 
amomkts to more .than $4,700 a weelc. 

course, ta^e^ here and in England 
take a major portion ot that (Shaw 
)s reported to have complained that 
•■ he actually Jveeps only about a phill- 
,.jipg on.^very,pound)j .but it's! a,siz- 
: iincon)^ (Erpm. ^'44-year-old ilay, 

nojjethieless. 
> v^hi^rf! may have been short 4nter« 
. val& wTienJShaw has. carried higher 
Wyalties Ih&n he"«S -currently getting 
- on "1Vraii:'''))Ut, i^ so, Ifcwas- never. 
. over an extended period such as. the 
.• Evans presentation seems 'certain to 
be. For instance, Katharine Cov- 
nell's aU-star revival o£ "Candida" in 
1942" grossed $122,247 for 35 per- 
forwaftces, but it bad only ,that lim-, 
i^ted run. " ^ " 

' 'piinilarly, .dttuinl' a short period in 
the spring of 1S40; while Gertrude 
Lawt^nce and ' Haymond Masscy 
'.^(Ppijtiijued pn pige 55) 



Victor Herbert's Pre-'09 
- Soiigst|j(oyaltyTestVs, 
YictorfCoIumbia, Decca 

Consolidation of some 12 suits 
.. testing- a provision of the 1909 Copy- 
right '■Act was granted by Federal 
Judge John C. Knox, according to 
papers filed irt N. Y. federal court 
last '.week. Radio Coyp. of America, 
.'. CQlUmbia. Recording Corp, and Dee- 
. : ca W^rds; all of whom are de-' 
1^ndant:s in infringement actions 
br.ought'-by the heirs of the late Vic- 
tor Herbert, Glen MacDonough and 
(Continued on -page 20) 



Santit Schhozo 



Milton Berle, who had his nose 
bobbed several years' ago, is so 
'pleased with the result that he's 
giving, beak jobs to . associates 
and friend^ as birthday and 
Christmas presents, ' 
■■ So far, he's presented schnoz 
iiiXSis to his- secretary ''and the 
president ol the Milton Berle fan 
club. 



SecsDiskersOn 
I^mb if 




mm. SHERIFF DOUBLES 
AS KSTP DISK JOCK 

Minneapolis, Dec. 2. 

A county sheriff doubling as a disk 
jockey, with a deal which allows him 
to- scram his program any time he's 
tieeded officially as a sheriff, is'Jhe 
latest disk-.spinner ' wrinkle; here. 
Sheriff Ed Ryan is the sleuth turned 
music chatterer. He joined KSTP 
here Monday (1) night as co-pilot 
with Don Hawkins, of the station's 
H p.m. to 1 a.m. platter show for 
merly ridden by Sev Widman, who 
auit his post after a tussle with sta-' 
tion execs over an intervieow wMh 
screen actress Virginia Mayjt " , 

A veteran of World Vfm:V Hyan 
stayed in Ftanbe Several itesb after 
that, operating a film theatre. He's 
a longhair fancier. 

Rya«t has another angle he's put', 
ting to work via his part-time job. 
He warns motoring listehers ttf obey 
traftic laws, ' ' ■ 



Chicago, Dec," 2. 

"If PotriUo 'really wanted to get 
even with the record' business for ' 
everything and for' all . lime,'* 'olj' 
serves Mje ^iik official- he has to 
do is call off the reiioJaing Ban-'and 
he'd have the disk people out oh the 
biggest limb. It's really a shame- 
•what the music publishers have done 
to some of us recording people/' he 
continued. "And , it's , worse that 
Wii've fallen-fot it." ' • , . 

He was referring to the amount 
o( advance > recording being done, 
and _ still continuing, in order to 
build ■ up/ as big a .bacJdog between 
now and the first of .the year when 
the ban goes on. ; 

!'Many a stale song manuscript has 
(Continued "oij page 55) 

PALESTINE PARTITION 
SHOULD SPURT AMUS. 

" ■ ' 'Tel Aviv, Dec. 2 

' Long-awaited, momentous decision 
to paitilion Palestine, greeted with 
'enthusiasm by, Jews and with con* 
sternation by Arabs generally, should 
have its effect on «how bhsiness in 
this land of twO nations. Effects are 
likely to be good, giving impetus to 
Jewish talent now that the political 
pressjare is off, while disturbance 
Irom. disgruntled Arabs in form of 
rioting and possible shutdown of the- 
atres is minimized. Meantime activ- 
ily continues apace in such centers 
as Tel Aviv, Haifa and' Jerusalem* 

Palestine overnight Is Ijecommg 
the mecca of foreign vaude and^ 
nitery performers. Local agents are 
busy arranging importation of..many 
acts from abroad- 

Current cafe life is sparked by 
pianist-singer Sonya Wronkow. Here 
in prewar days, she later trekked to 
the U. S-, but now is back for "good. 
OthiSt-'acts here include Riccardo & 
Robby, a dog. act froirf The Hague, 
as well as a European acrobatic tur«, 
the Thfee Hatdens. 

"-XoU Can't Take It With You" was 
an outstanding success at the Cham- 
ber theatre here- But local critics 
failed to ahvvf much enthusiasm for 
{Continued on page 54) 



By fiEORGE ROSEN 



Despite .ominous rumblings, in J;he 
face of economic 'trendy, of an -wn- 
pending wholesale ."desertion,^ 'of 
bankroUers from r^dio, execUl|yes 
of the lour jxetwoyks are inclined 
to be optimistic, o^er the fihai^Slal 
picture as th^ year draws to i dl^se. 

True, the nine-months bill^gs 
gtory for 1947 isn't exactly one to'-.ln- 
vit:! handsprings, with only>thej^C 
network showing aft .advance; r- in. 
gross time sales over 1946. N^jve'r- 
theless, the feeling 'is that the'^o- 
bo^ganing of billin:gs, particularly 
on NBC and CBS, has been held to 
a respectable minimum when < con-, 
toasted with the overall industry's 
financial statement for the year,* . 
^ Oniy Mutual appears to ^ave 
taken it 'on the cKin'to an ajp^fe-^ 
ciablp degree, oiiithe basis bf-'^lie 
first n'inV-Waf^ltes -gibulation, wiiBf "its. 
apijroiimate ■'•$I6!;OilO,0OB - in' g^ss 
billings -represetiffiiig-'a, drop of T5.8%^ 
over the same 'period last yearii;But 
Mutual, too, has had recent p^se 
for rejoicing, with its $3,0J)0;(i00 
plus entry of- new commercial pro- 
(Coplinued on page- 37) ' ; 



TeleV Bar jB.O. 



Baseball is tb^'best bqxoffice 
stimulant (no, p'tin i'ntende'd) for 
■ the' bars; football the , poorest, 
because it's a longer time Ije- 
tween drinks dije to, the progres- 
pion of the action,^ Only' time- 
outs cre^'te a slaijkehing of inter- 
est, whereas -tlic^ >iiat)onal '{Sas- 
time permits, ^Wlde-an-inning 
hiatuses for tankihg up: . 

Gn the-'othefc hand the base- 
ball fans " . favor"", beer (the 
weather is the influence there); 
the gridcabt lookers ' favor the 
harder stuff. , 



N.¥.Loe\w^s State, 




Joe Louis to (let lOOG 




ForWalcott,1nc] 
Radio, television Cut 

A probable $230,000 sellout af his 
24th. title fight with Jersey Joe Wil- 
cott, at New York's Madison Square 
Garden Friday iS) will 'give jjoe 
Louis something* close to $100,000, i 
including his cut of ..the radio and 
television money. His pet. is 45, 
Waleott 15. Louis is in line for a 
slice of the pix at the same figure,- 
these to be taken by Pathe and dis- 
tributed 6y RKO. If he lo^es, hjs 
(Continued on page-22> » 



MAUGHAM, AT 73, READY 
FORMBUTINmMS 

London, Dec. 2. 

'Somerset Maugham is to start a 
film career at 73, with Sydney. Box 
to present him in '(Quintet," pic 
based on five of the author's short' 
stories written within . the last 50 
years. " " - ■ 

With this production. Box com- 
mences a series of top 'feature films 
which ^ill include famou^ writers 
among their stars, maintaining iiu- 
thors have had insufficient .promi^ 
nene^ on we screen up "till »ow. 




Loew's Slate ,on '^roadway,^ top 
yaudeville showcase in'tiite' country, 
is droppirtg stageshpwSjfaec, 24, after 
runni*^ that ■form ..of 'entertainment 
Sinfce 1921, in favor^of at straight film ; 
policy, , 

Demise of, s3:agesl}6ws'.at this bouse 
Is regarded) as severe -a.viblow 'to tKe 
'cause of live, talent as -the shuttering ' 
of vaude at the old Keith's Palace, 
a block up on Broadway and 47th, 
which touched off' a series 'Of vaudfr- . 
ville exits in many hoiise^. through-- 
out the country, f ' 

While the reason ascribed toy Loew 
ejitecs for change In : policy is that 
vaude wasn't paying oft, talent agen* 
cies have been quifik to pofnt out' 
that the. high oi^erating expeu^ies^' 
.Because of inflated performeof 'Sala- 
ries, is one of the major reasons. 
It's felt that "normal and reason- 
able" salaries would have permitted 
the house to make a'' sizeable profit,' 
<Continiied on pajg6 'ssy 



.Miami Beach, Qec. 2, 
Florida nit^m^opera.tofs', "b'ecom'ing 
jittery ■ while waitijyt^for ' the fijfst 
major cold spell to hif Nfew York^ 
aj;e mulling installatiftn ' ot casino* 
despite such aiStivity ,,not being 
legal iii-Dade County, 'jjvhich includes 
the Miami and Mi^mi'' Beach areai, 
where the majority ,of- cafes are 
located. ". ^ , - 

Current plan among bpnifaces .it- 
to confine the gaming activities to 
those well known -to operator.^. 
Whether these plans Will go through 
is still undecided, .but, itjs fairly 
deilnite ttiat unless Ijhe 'major spend- 
ers hit llie resort to w'h^.soqn, casinos 
will bfr necessary to^mi^lce en^s mg^t. 

The rfiajority of'cIUbj^Jiave already 
made tremendous - talent ■ commit* 
ments, some running as high as $3^^T' 
OOO weekly, and according to indie's^ ; 
tjohs the current" . season, will riot 
permit such huge pqrfbrmor..outlays 
unless other revenue forthcoming. 

It's been pointeflt out that the 
Miami Beach ^ituatiorSjluay' Resemble 
the current situation "ta-i-Ne-w' ISTork, 
where hotels are loaded, but amuae- 
raent biz is generally ofU The resort 
inns are similarly hgoHgd with r.e§er» 
vations, hut, with conditlbris as' they - 
are, it's not likely 'that amusement 
. CCiJntipued on!' page ' 23) 

Kazan CetsRwd 
20%ofPro|te,Slgre 
!ittrii^%Mi^' 

Evaluation of- a itagei-'fr service? 
reaches'* pew'high'.wifh-the advent 
on Broadway toni^it (3) of Ten- 
nesscu Williams' "A Streetcar Named . 
Desire." For h&' direction of the 
drama Ella Kazan will receive -20% 
of. the p'roilts, in ; addition to his 
•weekly share of the gross, said to be 
3%. , Show'*s . presenter, Irene M. ] 
Sefernick, and ih^e vjtio .^atffepd.the ; 
new' -(jrama aisfe.! conl^ttt ' with" the; 
Kasan'Eleal, and New Yorkers iwho • 
saw the jiBow'out ot tojvn describe 
the ■dito.tipnal job as' "brilliant." 
^Cazan's rajing as a director. extttU'da- 
~ (Continued on pag».48) ' 

I II I I 'f i f |i i [i ii iii i %i l ir 1 III n fli l i li i i ir iii i i iil ii i iii ii ii i i un i- 



Tops of the Tops ,. 

Top Retail Sheet Music Setter 
"Near You" 
Top ftetaU lllsk Seller 

"Near You" 

"Near You" 
Top Seller on Coin Maebincs 

"Ballerina" 
Top British Shert Seller 

"Now Is the Hour" 
(Detail itt Music SeeUoni 



ED 




Saidf 



Add Milfft l^h Tour Cliri«ttnat..iStH»|>|Mfl{t 
tist: Th» CKristmvss Ca^^ftf fMI $|»ltiilny's 
Ail-Girl Or^lwtfM and Choir. 



"WeAwB&ibijfi 'llftBMw J kg 3, 1947 



Pbi €o& Mwe klM to 
' Excess Footage for Tekasting 



With television's expansion pick- 
ing up speed eveyy weelc, signs of re- 
newed inter«Sst; by the flliti cdmpan- 
ies in the medium ate <!<msfently on 
the increase. 

Still uncertain as to how big the 
■how biz newcomer will grow and 
•what part they'll iHnsJly play in it, 
the film companies are skirting their 
entry into video warily. Both Uni- 

^versal and Pa^limount News are re- 
ported, however, to have ofEered 
«onie excess footage from their news- 
reels recently to tele broadcasters 
and RKO-Pathe is readying two 
series of its regular shorts for pos- 
sible sale to tele sponsors^ 

U reportedly offered some scenes 
of the British royal wedding to the 

■ N.Y, tele stations. . Broadcasters, 
however, didn't accept them, either 
because the asking price was too 
high or because th^y could furnish 
coverage just as ^ood and njllch 
faster with their own material, It's 
faelieved unlflteiy tiiat V would have 
jnadft avaOiible to. broadcasters the 

■ name footage that it used for its own 
newsreel editions but, with most 
reels usmg less than 75% of the total 
lootage shot on any event, there 
-would have been plenty left for the 
Videocasters. 

V exec veepee Matty Tox declined 
ti». comment im the report biit he 
didn't deny it. Par, it's been learned, 
has been making advances to the 
• tele broadcasters during ' the last 
week. Pfli executive^ however, 
(Continued on page 22) 



Twin City Get-Togeth«r 
On Show Biz and Jn?es 

Minneapolis^ Dec. It' ; 

Representatives of Tw.in City radio 
stations and the amusement industry 
here have been invited to meet with 
a volunteer committee on crime and 
delinquency, a group of Minneapolis 
professional specialists' on' the "sutaJ'' 
ject of juvenile behavior, to liiscuss 
the part that crime ftHns and radio 
shows play in the problem. ; 

Committee has announced the con- 
clusion that youthful perpetrators ot 
acts of violence, including murder, 
who blame their offenses on ideaS; 
from films, radio and comics, pose & 
problem for serious study and action 
if the situation is to be corrected. 

A' tour-matt subconmiitiee has 
Hieeil appoitited t<» develop a fact- 
flnding questionnaire! to he employed 
locally in ». move to determine how 
extensively juveniles are motivated 
to criminal acts by Dims, radio and 
comics. - < 



285t1iW£EK! 
KEN MURRAY'S 

"BUA6K0UTS OF 1947" 
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. 

Watch, for KKN MUIlRAlfS new 
feature IcnKth film production 

"BILL AND COO" 
Released through Bepublic Pictures 



STRIKE- 
STKI SHOWBIZ HAPPY 

Paris, Dec. 2. 
Despite the chaotic disruption 
stemming from the current Com- 
munist-inspired strike wave, escap- 
ist-minded Parisians are thronging 
~ '«very available amusement spot in 
-liorce. ' . ' • 

Crowds keep coming even in face 
cf public utility walkouts which are 
causing sporadici unexpected clos^ 
' ings of niteries and theatres and 
ai;£iway shutdowns compelling the- 
atregoers to walk home; 

Rooney, Kaye, Raye, A&£ 
*^ for London 



TPhe Palladium theatre, London, is 

. planning olie o£ tlie heaviest talent 
lineups in its history. House has set 
Mickey Rooney to open Jan. 4, and 
negotiations are now on for Danny 
Kaye io IqUow in February. Martha 
Baye has been ^gned for a March 

■ iiJatie. . 

the Falladium'is shelling out some 
heavy coin in the process. Rooney 
is slated tb get $1S,000, while Kaye's 
deal will be for. a similar amount. 
Miss Raye is reported getting $6,000. 
Other London bookings include 

' Allan iTones ■ and Irene Kervey to 
lopen. at the Casina tlieatre, in April, 
and Clark Bros.,' Negro dancers, to 
-open the same house late February. 
Deal is currently on for Abbott & 
alio to. play the Casino in the 

, sp.-'ng, with a J. Arthur Rank film 
to follow. 

. XT. S. acts in England generally 
play a series of concert dates in large 
haUrooms and auditoriums, inasniucfa 

l.m the small English houses caimot 
g£dss enough to pity out that kind of 

. coin. 

_ American acts are able to get most 
•f their money in U. S. dollars out 
, of that country. Law permits them 
tb~ remit their salary, less living ex- 
peiises,'°& their lamilies In the U. S. 



SEPTEMBER THEAm BIZ 
fm BEHIND LAST YEAR 

Washington, Dec- 2. 
September's theatre biz was not 
much above the August figures and 
fell- far behind the boxoffice for 
Septetn^r, 1M6, according to ad- 
missions tax figures related -Sunday 
night (30) by the Bureau of Internal 
Revenue.. ■ 

The 20% tax figures for the month 
amounted to $37,743,023, indicating 
a month's business of about $18'8,- 
715,000 jon all amusement fronts, in- 
cluding sports. Of this total, it is 
estimated that' from 70 to '60% was 
taken 'in at film houses. The tax 
bite compares with $37,068,543 for 
the mon& oi August and the $42,- 
096,593 in September, 1946. In addi- 
tion to the admissions 'nip, Uncle 
Sam collected $5,193,369 from the 
20% nick on nitery tabs, only five 
sixths of what was taken in for the 
same a year earlier, and very little 
more than was collected in August. 
While September was a good mbnth, 
it jstiU reflected the sUde-ofI of busi- 
ness which has been accumulating 
since the mid-year. ; 

Manhattan's 3rd Internal Revenue 
District, including the Broadway 
sector, reported admissions taxes to 
taling $5,359,227 for September, a 
little under the'$S-,547,OQ0 of the pre 
ceding month. "She nltecy dip wa^ 
sharper. September business paid a 
$415,707 lax, about $150,000 under 
Augtist ■ 



OolMth's Ariz. HQ 
Because of Son's Health 

Clifford Goldsmith, creator of the 
"Aldrich Family" and author of 
"What a Life" and othfer plays and 
films, has moved to Tucson, Ariz., 
permanently. He's building a home 
there and is selling his apartment 
in Gracie Square, N. Y. Reason for 
the move is that his son has a seri- 
ous asthma condition. 

Author is currently at work on a 
new play for Broadway, bat he's a 
methodical workman, so it may not 
he ready until next spring. Mean- 
while, he owns the "AJdrich" series 
and gets a royalty from it. 




<;$ports Director, ABC HttWorH) 

College 

*GAMES . wmiNERS t^OINTS 

SQUthern C»lll«nii«<Nl>tr^. lD*tll« ••K»tr* Dane ; .<^..f. It 

THlane-ItSO' .,.,...'..,< ttSiO \ ( 

Vlllanova-Keiitwky (Cleveland) Keniucky j 

(Games at« played Saturday ^tternoon unless. otherwise stated.) 

Pro Fooibair 

. NATIONAL IiEAisVK ' " ' '. . 

OAlWES -WINNEKti 

Chi ]Be«r*-Ii, A. Ralus '. *, Bears ' '. . . .< 

Detrvlt U«n*-fireen Bay Packers Packers .j 

N. 'V. Oianta-V^aflt RedsklniT Bcdskins . 

PhlllyEagles-Chl Cards Eag^fi 



ABC Balks at 94G Bite 
To €S¥e McNeitt Oiance 



Hollywood, Dec. 2.:' 
Don McNeill, "Breakfast Club" 
m.c, has' an option on an original 
screenplay by Arch Oboler, which 
several studios are yearning to pro- 
duce. McNeill is panting to make his 
long-delayed bow before the 'camera, 
but ABC, which, owns "Breakfast 
Club," insists that it's not going to 
pay expenses involved in shifting 
the. show fi-om Chi to the Coast for 
five "or six weeks. 

Network estimates the transfer 
will cost about $94,000.'McNeill feels 
that ttiis estimate, besides being fan- 
tastically high, disregards the fact 
that the ABC pK>gi;am property will 
be benefifed liy fUm exploitation. 
Network spokesmen in countering 
ask, vwhy should ABC sign extra 
checks to launch McNeill's film ca' 
reer? , ' . 

Three studios have angled for Mc- 
Neill in the past, but the deals 
haven't, jelled because of his insist 
ence on control ovet the choice of 
story.- Obqler's screenplay, titled 
"Breakfast in .the Country," was 
written this summer. McNeill, who 
has held off from Hollywood a long 
time, thinks the Oboler opus will 
give him a flying start in films. 



TUs Wedi s FooilbaB 



■By Hnrry Wismer- 



POINTS 

iz 

10 

.... 6 
7 



Pitt Steelers-BostoR ¥«nfcs Tanks ,. 3 



, ALL-AMERICA CONFENBNCE 

Baltimore p«lis.'Clevei»nd Brown* Browiis 20 

Bropmyn Dodgers-N. Y. fankees YauKees 27 

It. A.' Don*>CU Boekets : Dons . '. is 

San Fran-Btiaalo Bill* . ; San, Fran } 

(Games are played Sunday afternoon, unless otherwisie stated,) , 
Wins, 283; Losses,' 126; Ties, 20; Ppt, .682. 
(Tics don't count) 
* Home team mentioned first. 

t Points represent predicted margin of victory, not the official odds. 



King a Mugg Fan? 

Writing about Princess Eliza- 
beth's wedding and the recep» 
tion last week. Bob Hope sug- 
gested that King George must 
be a Variety reader. As the 
comedian expressed it in his 
syndickt^d column: . — 

"And it was really heart- 
warming when the royal couple 
thdnked each Amerlifian star tor 
coming -over. I was particularly 
surprised^ by the king, who 
seemed to know ' in what pic- 
tures each individual : star had 
played. After listening to him 
you'd swear they get 'Variety : 
at Buckingham Palace." 



Bromf idd Wants to Act 
/ In EL Fdm of His Novo 

Novelist Louis Bromfield is hank- 
ering for the kleig lights, the writer 
pressuring Eagle Lion to cast him as 
the narratbr-actor in the fllmization 
of his- novel, "Kenny," which is 
currently prepping for the camera. 
Narrator part is one of the import- 
ant roles ijl the book. 

Bromfield is also insisting that lus 
huge farm, biggest in the U. S., be 
used as the ofl-the-lot locale for 
shooting' the pic. Itjs situated near 
Bfansfield, O., and was the actutd 
scene where the story, "Kenny," is 
supposed to take place.' 

EL is presently negotiating with 
King Vidor to handle the producer- 
director chores of "Kenny." 



Duse Dramatization 

Esther Kiss Pallos, American 
story editor for Sir Alexander 
Korda, is collaborating with Joel W. 
Schenker 'on a dramatization of 
Bertita Hardirig's novel, "Age Can- 
not Wither." Book was published 
last week by Lippincott. It's a story 
of Eleanora Duse and Gabriele 
DAnnunzio. 

Plans are now being -made for a 
New York production of the drama- 
^-tization. Agent Annie Laurie Wil- 
liams reps all of those involved. 



PAE'S PAEIS mPOST 

French actress and. singer Jo Hor 
vart ai'rives in New York tomoi'row ductions, 
(Thurs. ) on her way to the Coaiit. 
I . She'# ,tp Jbfi.lested for Paramount's 
'L.;^<tS'eBled-. Verdict." . .^ ■ . . ' 



JESSEI, COMHiniNfi N.Y.-L.A. 

Afiir winding his current engage- 
ment on New Year's evfe at the Car- 
nivaJ, N. Y., George Jesscl heads' for 
the Coast to spend two weeks hud- 
dling on his upcoming 20th -Fox pro- 
"Call Me Mister" and 
'Burlesque." 

On Jan. 16, he's dated to open, at 
ih^'Copacabati'a in Miiimi Beach; 



WIRANTE'S $6,500 FOR 
3D N.Y. COPA ENO^RE 

Jimmy Durante will make his first 
New York nitery appearance since 
1944 with a four-week date at the 
Copacabana, starting Feb. 5. He's 
reported In at a salary -of $6,500, 
which is regarded as a favor to Copa 
boniface Monte Proscr, a close friend 
of the Schnozola's. This will mark 
Durante's tliird appearanee at the 
Copa. ■ . , ■ ... , 

The headliner lineup at the Copa, 
following the current run of Peter 
Lind Hayes and Mary Healy, is in- 
definite. There's no topper' booked 
between Hayes' closing Jan. 12 and 
Schnoz's opening, "there's the pos- 
sibility that either Tony Martin or 
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis may fill 
the gap. 



FREEDOM 1EAIN HEAT 
CmNUES IN MMPHIS 

Mempl is, Dec. 2.' ' 
The hotfoot handed the Freedom 
Tram by local authorities continues 
to be the major topic of raging dis- 
cussion here. City fir.thers turned 
down profllered date for visit rather 
than forego application of the race- 
segregation idea. 

However, a citywfde mass meet- 
irj to regain the Freedom Train 
dates, annotmced by the local Amer- 
icans For Democratic Action, Amer- 
ican Veterans Committee and 
League of Women Voters, has been 
cancelled by those oganizations "be» 
cause -of the inflammatory sjs^eches 
made by Mt^ror Pleasants" over all 
Memphis radio station^ on the sub- 
ject.' ^ ' . 

Spokesmen for the mass meeting 
said the Mayor's remarks bad been 
so violent as to stir up ; trouble in 
the event the Freedom Train does 
come to Memphis. Claiming their 
point had been made by the ava- 
(Continued on page 22) 



You, Too, Can Be An 
Antiqpie Shoj^eeper 

Paulette Goddard and husband 
Burgess Meredith -will open an an- 
tique shop in Nyack, N. Y., Dec. 21. 
It'.s within a few miles of their farm. 

Miss Goddard, Vr'hilc in England 
recently making a picture for Sir 
Alexander , Korda, bought $100,000 
worth of furniture to stock the shop. 
She and Meredith will be partnered 
in it with Herbert Kende, of the 
Kende Galleries, which is associated 
with Gimbel Bros., N. Y. 



Bryan Foy 

CAMidwr* lb* 

*'mght Word at 
(Sometimes ) 
Wrong Time'' 

. -*■■ '* . * 

•n «H»«ilal fMtw* 
in th» fertlie»niili9 

42d Atmivertary Edition 

«f 



RAnAlANBACKTOENG. 
FORIVINSLOWBafPIC 

Film version of Terence Ratti- 
gan's successful drama, "The Wins- 
low Boy,"- is scheduled to roll in 
Britain some Wme in January ac- 
cording to the author who saUed for 
London, IViday (28) aboard the 
Queen Mary, Picture rights to the 
play were bought by Sir Alexander 
KOrda shortly after its London 
preem in May, 1946. Here for eight 
weeks, the playwright attended the 
New York opening of ^'Boy" at the 
Empire Oct. 29. 

Already set for the picture, said 
Battlgan, are Robetrt Donat who will 
portray Sir Boheri . Morton while 
Celia Johnson ivill have the role of 
Catherine .Winslow. Negotiations 
are pending for Sir Ralph Richard- 
son as the film's third star. Screen- 
play is by Rattigan. 

Also ott Rattigan's agenda are twg 
short plays .<which he has already 
completed. They are "High Sum- 
mer" and "The Browning Version." 
Both will star John Gielgud: Plays 
originally were to hav«-beenuOff«ted 
in" London this winter under the 
auspices of H. M. Tennent, Ltd., and 
Linnit & Dunfee, Ltd. However, 
Gielgud's chores- in the Broadway 
production of "Medea" and the forth- 
coming "Crime and Punishment" due 
to pr^em at the National, N. Y., Dec, 
22, have caused a moveback of the 
Rattigan plays until spring. 



To Arg. Aft«r 131 Years 

Montevideo, Nov. 25. 

Argentina is to have bullfights 
again, -after a lapse of 131' years, 
They vrere forbidden in 1816, after 
the country virot^ independence from 
Spain and fipanish customs.- 

Senora Eva de Pe'ron, as a result 
of her recent jaunt to Spain and 
other European countries, has re- 
introduced the . fashion and has 
spons<Hed corridas (bullfights) in- 
augurated in Rosario, the country's 
second largest city, on Columbus 
Day. 

Over 10,000 spectators have at- 
tended the bullfights organized in 
Rosario at the Rural Society's 
grounds, and toreadors were 
brought from Peru. The very first 
corrida had plenty of thrills when 
toreador Cayetano Palomino was 
gored. Palomino, together with 
Manolo Marthiez and Ricardo Arti- 
gas, were the ttar* of the Rosario 
shows. » 

Managers are now dickering with 
the River Plate stadium in Buenos 
Aires, with a seating "capacity of 
120,000, where football games are 
held on weekends and holidays, to 
put on further corridas. An Ar- 
gentine toreador, Raul Ochoa Ro- 
vira, and'' the Spaniards Pepp Luis 
Vazquez and Parrita, have been 
signed up. It's estimated that the 
bullfights would gross around $30,- 
OOQ per performance. . 

Senora de Peron has a financial 
interest in the. bullfights as a com- 
iwercjat te'feicpl'isi.' '-'- i 



Gladys Cooper, Va, Bruce 
SaU to London and Paris 

Gladys Cooper, veteran British 
stage and film actress, sailed Friday 
(28) aboard the Queen Mary on a 
brief vacation in Britain. She will 
visit her daughter and son-in-law, 
Robert Morley, before returning to 
the Coast. Actress, who recently 
completed a stint in. Mettd's forth- 
coming Gable-Tunier'Baxter star- 
rer, "Homecoming," said she must 
be back at the studio by Dec. 27 
for possible retakes on the film. 

Also sailing was Virginia Bruce 
who plans to join her husband, Ali 
Ipar, in Paris, She'll be gone about 
a month and has no immediate plans 
for future film work althoug}! she 
expects to resume radio chores'upon 
her return. Her last picture Is 
Paramount's unreleased :^dward G. 
Robinson starrer, "The Night Has • 
1,000 Eyes." 



\ 



Joan Davis Wins Divorce 

Hollywood, Dee. 2. 

Joan Davis won an uncontested 
divorce from Si Wills on charges of 
marital neglect. 

Comedienjie testified Wills, who 
writes her radio show, tore her part 
in it to pieces. . 

Rosalind Keith's Act 

Rosalind Keith is being groomed 
by Music Corp. of America for the 
class niteries, this marking a come- 
back for a w.k. Hollywood person-, 
ality who has been singing in- 
formally in some of America's most 
famed homes. As Mrs. Hernando 
Courtright, Wife of the president and 
managing director of the Beverly 
Hills Hotel, she is an intimate of ill- 
most e very film 'notable. 
, Formerly a society singer, Mi.ss 
Keith convinced Jules C. Stein, head 
of MCA, that she'd like to take a 
whirl at it professionally, and is cur- 
rently ifl <New York getting ah act 
in shape. . .- • <«: 



riCTUUBS 



PK IN '48 BUT FEWER m 




SenienHiko (Nf m $5M f w 
Picltf ord Opposes Chapfin on Sale 



Serge Semeneqko, Boston banker,'^ 
has Indicated to United Artists own 
ers willingness to pay $5,000,000 for 
the company, it was learned this 
week. Semenenko was in the syndi' 
cate, headed by Si FaBian, that last 
summer was all set to give $12,500,000 
ior the company. 

' Owner Charles Chaplin is report- 
edly interested in the new bid, but 
his partner, Mary Pickford, is still 
hopeful that'UA'^s aftaifs can be sue 
cessfnUy worked out anctthe present 
ownership- continue. Same lineup 
prevailed when negotiations tor the 
previous sale Collapsed. 

Semenenkoi it fs learned, is not in- 
terested in anything but 100% owner 
ship of UA. He feels that he can 
solve the financial diiliculties which 
have cut oft UA's product supply by 
the unavailability of Idans to indie 
producets. His ultimate aim, once 
the com]>any is operating full scale, 
is said' to be possible merger wi^ 
Bobert. B. YoungTs Eagle Ltoh. Sem- 
enenko's Fitst Boston Corp, has made 
a heavy loan to Bit's parent company, 
Fathe Industries, and Semenenko and 
Young are close friends 

Semenenko, it is understood, hgts 
not made a firm offer for the com- 
pany, btit in talks with the manage- 
(Continued on page 18) 

Byrnes Arguing 
2ii Decree Plea 

James F.' Byrnes, former U.S.. Sec- 
retary of State and an ex-^ Justice of 
the U. S. Supreme Court, will argue 
Sox 20th-Fox on appeal from the 
Government anti-trust suit when it- 
comes up before the }\igh court dur- 
ing the week of Jan. 12. Decision to 
call on Byrnes, who W&s originally 
retained solely in' an advisory ca- 
pacity was disclosed during meets 
last week and this of attorneys for 
the eight majors. 

* Byrnes figured prominently in ne- 
gotiations for '9 settlement of the 
anti-trust action' which recently fell 
through. There'll be no one at- 
torney arguing for the Big Five or 
the Little Three. Whitney North- 
Seymour of Bartlett, Simpson & 
Thacher will speak for Paramount; 
Judge Joseph M. Proskauer for 
Warijer Bros.; John W. Davis for 
Metro; Sind Col. William' J. Donno- 
van for RKO. Little Three will be 
repped by Ed Raftery, United 
Artists; Louis Frohlich,, Columbia 
and probably Thomas Turner Cooke 
for Universal. 

Legalites for the majors have 
agreed to ask the clerk of the Su- 
(Continued on page 20) 



BENJAMIN'S QUICKIE 
FLIGHTTOR RANK MEET 

Robert Benjamin, prexy of J. Ar- 
thur Rank's U. S. org., planes today 
(Wed.) for London on a quickie one- 
Week trip. Benjamin 'will ' huddle 
with Bank and his top execs for 
briefing on latest developments of 
the British film situation. . 

On his return, Benjamin will re- 
port to Nate J. Blumberg, Univer- 
sal's prexy, and J. Cheever Cowdin, 
chairman of the board. Blumberg 
will then talce oiT for the Coast, week 
after next. ' 



Jarratt Due in N. Y. For 
Skouras and Rep. Meets 

Sir Arthur Jarratt, head of Brit- 
ish Lion, planes in from London 
Monday (8) for a three-week stay. 
He's making the trek to see Spyros 
Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy, and Her- 
bert J. Yates and James R. 
Grainger, Republic's toppers. It's 
unlikely that he'll go to Hollywood, 

BL is distrib wing of Sir Alex- 
ander Rorda's outfit. Jarratt's talks 
with Skouras will center on the six 
Korda pix which 20th will distribute 
to the U. S> Discussions with Rep's 
toppers will covev Jhandling of the 
Yank company's releases in Britain 
the Korda unit. . ' 



Tom Connors' EL Talks 
Stall as Bill Heineman's 
Name Enters the Field 

Eagle Lion's employment - pact 
talks with Tom Connors; erstwhile 
20th-Pox sales chief, are now on the 
downbeat. It's currently considered 
highly unlikely that Connors will 
move into EL to assume supervision 
of" worldwide sales. Huddles have 
become increasingly spaced, with 
neither AAe indicating a possibility 
of agreeihent. 

Understood that' the top distribu- 
tion spot of overall supervision is 
still open and that EL' will very 
likely fill it in the future. Prelimi- 
nary talks, it's reported, have been 
started with William J. Heineman; 
who's now' Universal's sales topper 
for the J. Arthur Rank division. Be- 
cause of the close tie between Rank 
and Robert Young, controlling 
stockholder ' of EL, Heineman is a 
natural choice.' Several other film 
(Continued on page 18) 



HENCE BIZEytS 





E 



Despite Indications that the film 
companies will turn out s'onie 506 
pictures in 1948, an increase of 39 
over the current year, there's still 
expected to be a shortage of top A 
product for first rfiri houses. Indus- 
ti:y sales oiiicials, consequently, al- 
ready seeking extended playing time 
for their product, now ; warn that 
unless exhibs kick through with 
longer runs, they face the danger of 
running out of So-caUect "big" prod- 
uct before the year's end." 

Discounting reports ^ : from ? indiC 
exhibs that they've attempted to 
create an "artificial" shortage, the 
majors claim there's nothing much 
they can do about the situation. With 
thQ exception of Paramount and 
Warnersi most of them have very lit- ; 
tie backlog of product ; and even 
those two companies won't be able 
to release enough A films to fill the 
breach if the other majors run short. 
Majority of. sales xhiefs declare 
they're wiling to step up releases if 
its found the market can absorb more, 
but claim that it's practically impos- 

- (Continued on page 18) 



SIMPP in Snnirk Moye Petitions 
For Comidete Ikatre Uhrorcement 



Climlier Clicb h 
Freoch, Flops With 



' Montreal, Dec. 2. 
Playing in' a double; situation, 
Maurice Chevalier's picture, "Man 
About Town," was a boxoffice flop 
in Montreal last week in one theatre 
but proved to be a smash hit in its 
original French version, "Le Silence 
est D'Or;" at another house. Open- 
ing ^siihultanedusly in two theatres 
in this ' 6S% ' French-speaking me- 
tropolis, the English-commented ver- 
sion had to be pulled after only a*^ 
five-day run at the Capitol." -But at 
the Orpheum, the all-French picture 
is heading into its second week still 
drawing, large crowds. . 

Fiasco of "Man About Town" at 
the Cap was attributed to the fact 
that Chevalier's public in. Montreal 
is mostly French and they are going 
to see hitn in "Le Silence est D'Or." 
On- the other hand, English-speaking 
(Continued on- page 16) 



HOUSE IN ORDER-n 



The current confusion attendant to the 
"Communist purge" decision last week again 
points up the grave need for the picture busi- 
ness to improve Its- public relations. The press 
reaction is as diffused and confused today as it 
has been since the film industry was mlckey- 
Feeneyed by Mr. J. . Parnell Thomas. 
,Ever since the October sessions by the House 
un-American Activities Committee on the film 
probe, the sum total which has emerged is an 
accent on the fact that Hollywood ^must be 
"harboring Commimists," else, what's all this 
shootin' about? 

From a confused and diffused str^ad^dling of 
the issue; the management end of the picture 
business moved to a graver decision — get'rid of 
any Reds or suspected Reds. "The 10 men 
who refused to state their political beliefs did 
the motion picture industry a great disservice," 
is the reasoning by management in irrevocably 
attempting to rid Itself of any suspicions of 
Communistic taint. 

Protagonists .of the purge move,- apart from 
the biased or hysterical witcli-hunters, see the , 
wisdom of protection against subversive influ- 
ences which, if permitted to work in the dark 
under the cloak of free speech, Infringement 
of the right of suffrage, the First Amendment, 
or call it what you will, can be fraught with 
many dangers. Perhaps the headlines from 
Italy and Prance, and what Communistic infil- 
tration can do to the normal pursuits of two 
nations fighting for postwar economic survival, 
best points that up. 

From within the trade, there are the ex- 
tremes too. Every picture may take on new 
values or distortions in their audience reac- 
tions. When personalities like Bogart, Kaye, 
Bacall, Cantor, Garfield, Fonda, Goddard, Hef- 
lin, Hepburn, Huston, Kelly, Loy, Meredith, 
McGulre,,Peck, Wilde, who are known liberals, 
but who are no more Communistic than Col. 
McGormick, get bandied around In the public 
mind as "commies," then the confusion and 
diffusion can border on economic damage. 

The picture business knows that. The com- 
mie purge move is but the first step towards a 
more directly aggressive and affirmative pro- 
gram to leave no I'oom for public doubt. 

But the picture business should act fast now. 
It must dramatize within the trade first that 
it is a business of public favor. The action to 
dramatize to the publifc that the industry -took 
this step to divest itself of any Kremlin re- 
flection at the core must be effectively followed 
i)P within the business and particularly in 
Hollywood. The lack of good public relations 
is perhaps best pointed up by the contrarily 
good tack which Howard Koch took in his open 
"Letter to My Fellow Workers in the Motion 
Picture Industry" when he stated unequivocally 
that he is not and never has been a member of 
the Communist Party. He added, however, a 
tliought which the perhaps ill-advised "unholy 
10" might have well adopted as a credo. Instead 
of the foolhardy defiance ,to tell a duly ordained 
Congressional pominittee that it was none of 



their business. He stated, in denying any Com- 
munistic tinge, that he "reserves the rigjit to 
refuse to make it (any statement on his politi- 
cal beliefs) if I so choose at any future hearing 
of the House Committee on un-American Ac- 
tivities." 

more judicious technique, clearly and 
forthrightly stating their position in a 
post-Thomas * committee press conference, 
would have turned the trick, the industry 
thinks. In short, out of the star-chamber and 
committee-privileged environs they could have 
hurled the defi to maligners from liA. to D.C. 
and gotten a better USA rating. But, 
because of some curious esprit de corps, 
they went down en masse. "Only Emmet 
Lavery, as a "voluntary" witness, made certain 
to accent the fact that his strong church ties 
alone would forfend any allegiance to Com- 
munism or any other foreign, ism. 

The big job for the business now is to keep 
Management and the Guilds unified and not 
permit any fever or fervor to distort realistic 
values. The picture business, as an industry, 
has perhaps the top record for unselfishness 
and sacrifice of any industry in America. In-, 
fire, flood and famine, as well as during the 
war, the film industry has rallied to so'many" 
causes that the sheer weight of the statistics 
must rout those who would deride Hollywood. 
It's a>sorry note that the hysteria, superinduced 
by exterior forces and an ideology so foreign to 
America, should put so patriotic a business as 
pictures on the defensive, but apparently that's 
a necessity now. ^ 

And if it's necessary to covenant all talent 
henceforth against sensitive issues^be they 
frivolous or serious— then it's also good busi- 
ness to make sure about "get off that soap box." 
Since the screen is a business of public favor, 
any ideology foreign to the major and im- 
• mediate chore of cinematic entertainment may 
well be construed as bearing the same "out" 
for management as infractions of t he morality 
clause. Pact is-tJtiat— fehe-t^mpor-soid temper 
of the times is such that the suggestion ' of 
Communism has the same odor as infractions 
of good personal behavior, which is an auto- 
matic but tor management. 

The industry, in the last month of a troubled 
year, faces too' many crises on many fronts. 
They run the gamut from embargos abroad to 
mounting costs and lessening profits domes- 
tically. It cannot risk the additional headache 
and hazards of political complications to im- 
pair, abridge or complicate the best boxoffice 
results in a free market. Freeing itself from 
any taiijt of Communism is sound American- 
ism. Those who are hurt doubtlessly will have 
ample opportunity for recourse and satisfac- 
tion—morally, ethically and economically— if 

itself deserves .a break. It needs it. Since Oc- 
tober the national press has put a spotlight on 
films which far" traiiscendis the fundamental 
purpose of the fourth largest American indus- 
try-— that of entertaintnent. 

Tbis is "M" day: for the film biz. Aba. 



<* Complete divorcement of the Big 
Five's theatres is demanded of the 
U. S. Supreme Court by the Society 
of Independent Motion Picture Pro- 
ducers in an application filed Tues- . 
day (2) for leave to appear on ihe 
appeal as amicus cutiae (friend oit 
the court). In a, surprisingly harsh 
stand, SIMPP declares that "nothing 
sl-ort of complete divorcement of ex- 
hibition from distribution and dis- 
solution of defendants' exhibition 
chains will suitice to restore an open 
competitive market." 

Whether divestiture will be a 
burden on the defendants has noth- 
ing to do with the case, SIMPP as- 
serts. Moreover, the record shows "a 
compelling^ need" for divorcement, 
it's argued. "The peril to pur con- 
tinued existence as a democracy 
springing from the threat of bontrol 
of so vital an industry by an ag- 
gregate of ' economic power in the 
hands of a few is obvious. Certainly 
if we are to be zealous in protect- 
ing freedom of the press and of the 
radio, we must be no less vigilant 
in assuring a free, .open, anm com- 
petitive movie iadust^," 

The indie producer, application de- 
clares, exists "as the only creiative 
force competitive to the defendahts. 
, (Continued on page 20) ' 

C]iwclih;mwe 
Axes Pitt 'Outlaw 

• Pittsburgh, Deo. 2. 
In face of terrific pressure from 
Catholic church and Legion- of De- 
cency, Shea's Fulton theatre here is 
pulling "The Outlaw" tonight 
(Tues.) at the end of Its first week 
despite the fact that, picture will 
have hung up a new all-tin>e house 
record. Film is expbeted to do '.be- 
tween $24,000 and $25,000, previous 
mark of $19,000 having been held by 
"Kid From Brooklyn." 

Management of Fulton simply an- 
nounced that "Outlaw", was coming 
out "in its best interests" although 
it's understood that action was taken 
to forestall threatened year's boycott 
if hous* kept' tlie Howard Hughes 
picture on. 

According to inside information, 
Fulton was to have been 'blasted ' 
from every Catholic pulpit in the 
(Continued on page 6) • 




- , Trad* MarfcyRetlttCKd 
PqUNpED BY SIME "TE-ILVBRMAN 
Pulillolied Weekly by \ABWFS, Ine. 
... _ Sla SUntiatii, Prestdtnt 
IM West mb St., Kot yoilf 18, N. I. 

8DBS0BBPTION 

Anniiol »tO ronloi Jll 

Single Coptra ,25 (<f^. 

Vol. 168 1^^^ No.13' 

INDEX 

BlUs 46 

Chatter 54 

Concert . , , . . . , , . i . 50 

Disk Jockey Reviews. , . . . . . 40 

Film Reviews -. 11 

Foreign ,,'.,.;,..... J3 

Hou^e Reviews , 4ff 

Inside Legit. 50 

Inside Music 42 

Inside Pictures , 18 

Inside Radio 32 

Legitimate 49 

Literati .................... 53 

Music . . ... 38 

New Acts . , . , , .' 46 

Night Club Reviews 46 

Obituaries . . , .'.. ,. . . ..^ i.; -53 

Orchestras 38 

Pictures 3 
Pre-Production News . . . . . . 7 

Radio 24 

Radio Reviews . . . . . . ... 30 

Records ......... , 40 

Frank Scully . . . r. 53 

Television . . . . .V. .......... 24 

'Vaudeville 45' 

• ~~ DMIX VASIETr - 
<Pul>Uslied.]D ncllljniood t* 
^ Oallf VMiefT. Wd.V. 
tU • Tet>-4H Fonio 



passim 



MPA Surprised at Hmmler of SOence' 
foactionto€DiiiiiiiePprgeM0Ye;SoiM 
hm ConmK&t Stroi^ Pkro and Coo 



"■^HST' iTdiiicalilyKeeiisTfaidw 

AtM-<:aiitRKOAx<isScQtt,fiiii]rtryli 
And M-Fox y&MUtk/stk. 



Anxiously awaiting press and man-f« 
In^he-street reaction to its ban oa 
plleged' Communists in tt>e studios, : 
the film industry , this week— much 
to its amazement— found the move 
had been received with "almost a 
thupdei^ of silence," as one surprised 
JMCotion Picture Assn. exec quipped 

'Monday (t). MPA at the end of last 
week had a spot check made of edi- 
torial opinion expressed in the 
country's 90 most important news- 
papers and discovered that' hardly a 

'^ozen had commented at all. 

' Tfiany more papers did have edi- 
ieirials on Congress' action in citing 
Jot contempt the 10 witnesses who 
Yefiued to answer questions of the 

'Stousie Un-American Committee on 
their political affiliations. This oc- 
curred the day before the .industry 
announcement and won wide, com- 
mendation by the nation's press. It 
may have had some bearing on the 
lack of editorials on thfe iriWe ot the 
'film industry's brass in New York. 

Within the industry itself, the re- 
action was also suprisingly apa- 
thetic. Cfertainly it aroused strong 
meaction in Hollywood itself, due to 
friendships and associations . with 
those affected, as well as because ' of 

' etrong political beliefs. Among in- 
dusttyites in New York and other 
parts of the country there was little 

- «nthusiasm for the strong action, but 
a -generally resigned feeling that it 
SHnething.t^at had t» be done 
under the «ircumsta)aces. Those op- 
posed to the move were fewer but 
anete vociferous than those in favor. 

;&eason for the hushed response in 
the press to Erie Johnston's 'State- 
ment is thouglit tiy sonie MPAites to^ 
t)e that it might be too close to'home, 

. If the . public' reaction engendered 
"^S a Congressional committee can 

■ force - one form of mass comji(iunica 
iion to fire workers, press might 

' Je^t-rit's thou^tc— thatjit could be 

. next. 

Press, Ccmment 

' Jjew York Herald Tribune' Wash 
.ingtoa Post and PM were the only 
papers in the .MPA' 00-paper check 
that expressed .strong doubt or op- 
position to the antl-Coaununist ac- 
'tion. .The others eithet found it 
^mmendable or limited tiiemselve^ 
CContinued on page 20) 

HEW BILLS FOR-AGAINST 
PROBING COMMfHEES 

. Washington, Dec. 2 
• following in wake of the contempt 
citations ' against the' 10 Hollywood 
figured laiat .week, Congress is being' 
deluged ht^ a flock of resolutions af- 
fecting tb^'House Committee on 'Un- 
'American Activities and its chief tar- : 
'^et, the Cctttmunist Party. At lea.st 
;. three of the bills introduced recently 
ivould have a serious impact on the 
committee's cpntining probe of sub- 
versive dements in the film industry. 
> According to one resolution put 
, Jnto the hopper by Rep. Gordon Mc- 
Donou^h (R., Cal.), membership in 
'the Communist Party .would be con- 
°£ideied a treasonable act with im-; 
position of corresponding penalties. 
Bill urges that "Communism be de-. 
fined and declared to be -not a polit- 
ical policy;' but is an internal con- 
spiracy... which advocates and prac- 
tices, deceit, confusion, subversion, 
irevolution. ..which has for its pur- 
poses the overthrow of government 
i)j-'.fofCe and violence." 

McDonough's bill covers the rec- 
ommendation of 'Eric Johnston, Mo- 

■ tion Picture Assn. prez* who recently! 
esked Congress to incorporate in its 
etatutes a law permitting industry to 
lire known Communists. Strong 
'wording of this . resolution, It was 
pointed out, would not only make 
Communists eligible for dismissal but 
jaij as well. . 

From another wing of the House, 
Bep. Helen Gahagan Douglas (D., 
Cal.), entered a bill that would clip^ 
the powers of the House- Un-Ameri-' 
can Activities Committee, tJnder her 

' Resolution, all legislative committees 
v/ould be forced to conduct their 
proceedings in a more judicial man- 
lier, BilJ advocates the right of coun- 
eel to witnesses, the right to make an 
cral statement and the right to rea- 
Eonable cross-examination. Another 
resolution for the killing of the XJn- 
American Activities Committee was 

, Jntroduce;} .by Re]^. Jticob Javits (R., 



Polling the Probe 

The Gallup Poll on Monday 
(1) revealed an almost even 
division of opinion on the ques- 
tion of the House Un-American 
Committee's handling of the 
Hollywood probe. A small 
pluraUty Of those qu^ied 
thought- the 10 who refused to 
answer ' committee questions 
should be' punished. 

The handling of the investiga- 
tion was- approved by' 37%, dis- , 
approved by 36%, with 27% 
having no opinion. The lionr 
answering writers and directors 
should be punished according to 
47%, while 39% . think they 
should not be and 1.4% have no 
opinion. Segment of population 
with least education plumped 
greatest for .punishment, while 
college grads were 54% to 34% 
against the cctittempt proceed- 



. lnt«rniitiQnai repercussions to ac- 
tios of U. S. producers last week 
in deciding to oust, alleged "left- 
tinged writers and director.i was 
heard here. Sprin:;boarded by Eric 
Johnston's announcement Ih New 
York, a large group of Swedish fllm- 
it*s made a protest to the American 
Embassy on actions recently of the 
House Un-American <Activiti(es. Com- 
mittee. , ' " ■■■ •■ ^ ■ "• 

Orpupi o^nsistiDg . ot 24 actors, 
wrifors «»4 direct«>rs, delivered, ..a 
resolution -to the Ambassador pro- 
testing "the action .taken by the 
Committee on Un-American Activi- 
ties against some of om- Ameilcan 
colleagues." 




Eight tmt of every 10 asked 
had heard of the inve^tiigation. 



£nc$ Kvided 
Ob Sbeigdi Of 
Red Purge More 



'While all of the 48 industry brass- 
hats at last week's New York policy 
meeting stood up to make the final 
count unanimous in favor of the 
anti-Communist resolution, there | Mo£titt who 



WarCostHiBiHBp 

.Washington, Bee. 2. 
Jadt Itolfitt was fired as a Holly- 
wood screen writer because of Com- 
niiunist pressure against him. Rep. 
John McDowell (H., Pa,),, meml>er«f 
the House Un-American Activities 
Committee, told the House last Fri- 
day (28). Moffitt was one of the 
witnesses before the Committee dur- 
ing its recent hearings hcr^, charg- 
in,g that the Screen Writers Guild 
•was "under Red domination." 

"There has been a great scream go 
up in the Communist Daily Worker 
and from a few thin voices in Holly- 
wood," said McDowell, "that the 10 
Communists 'who were cited for con- 
tempt by this House are going to 
lose their $100,000-a-year positions 
in the 'film industry. I do not know 
whether this is true or not, as the 
Committee on Un-American Activi- 
ties has nothing to do with 'Who is 
hired or fired in Hollywood. 

"But I would like to point out to 
the film industry that the only per- 
son 1 Jwow who actually lost his job 
because of Communism in Holly- 
wood was a gentleman named Jack 
was fired and barred 



MPA's Press Crossley 

l^an>mering away «t winning 
public opinion to the Side of the 
'film industry, following the re- 
cent House Un-American Com- 
mittee hterings . on Holiywood 
Communism, the' Motion Pictur* 
Assn. last week issued two bro- 
chures. One' was a 10-page 
- pocket-size reprint of MPA prez 
Eric Johnston's statement to the 
committee during his appear-^ 
arice before it on Oct. 27, , 

The other was « SB-page, 
pamphlet containing photo-oilSet 
reprints in full of 82 editorials 
from . the nation's press and 30 
excerpts ot others commenting 
on the hearings. The great ma- 
jority, of the editorials are criti- 
cal of the committee's handling 
of ttic probe. 



was a considerable division of opin- { fr6m selling the product of his diind 
ion in Inner councils, on- how strong to the film- makers, not because he 
the 'action, should- .l>e.: "Libera}'' was a Communist or 'a Communist 
viewpoint in the 11-man subcom- Fellow Traveller, but- because, he 
mittee which drew up the pol^py | openly and vigorously opposed Com- 
^Jatement was strongly spoken for munism, pointing out that these 10 
by Samuel Goldwyn, Dore .Schary men were Communists, - and their 
and Walter Wanger. They received grip was so strong on the people who 
ardent support from former Secre- | produced -the fUms that America sees 



tary of State James F. Byme^- spe- 
cial counsel to the Motion Pictm-e 
Assn. :■• . I 

Although both Ithe main and sub- 
committee meetihgs were held in 
camera, it -was learned that Gold 
wyn was bitter in his denunciation 
of the -whole .action. His. viewpoint | ment."- 
was that producers should bear the 
responsibility for what is in their 
pictures and that by firing aAd re 
fusing to hire alleged Communist 
writers and directors they were ad- 
mitting their own ineptitude at ex- 
ercising their responsibility. He de 
clared in the. subcommittee huddles 
that the firings were buck-passing 
and the setting up of fall guys to 
absorb blame — which if it existed at 
(Continued on page 20) 



' Washington, Dec. 2. : \ 
The 10 Contempt citation cases will 
prolbably ' not be presented to the 
Federal Grand Jui-y here before to- 
morrow (3) or Thtii'sdayj it waslndl- 
ca-ted? 'today; .'i.The- «ases-,.,'<fri!i^e''.«x-; 
pecti^: to: be offered, yesterday to the 
special <3rand V Jury - cpiiveiied last 
week but. there was not sufKCi^ni 
time to. get th^m- ready. ;0eorge M. 
"IPiCy, the XT. S. district attorn^i ex- 
plained that the - cases were , not 
turned over tp him until the latter 
part of ' last -weeK and thirt his^^- 
atits w^re busy Wittt ittdiclfaD)*^is f Or 
the iMtgulai'' '&ra^d ' JuKy 

I<ast 'Wednesd^^i :>!Q.iu^ for the 
cited to madc^ .ttf|othei? unsuccessful 
eiff ort to block action. Bobert W. 
Kenhy and Bartley .C. Crum, 6t 
California) : and Martjba ; Popperi of 
„^„ , . . ~ . , Waabington, called upon Attorney 

Hollywood because hf was exposing General Tom C. Clark to shelve the 



every day that a year and one -week 
ago, Jacic Moffitt was taken otit'of 
Qte lousiness -as a -.script Writer in 



' Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

Dalton Trumbo i|nd Lester Cole, 
slated for axing at Sletio in con. 
nectlon with Red pitrge, still ho)d 
their jobs owing to legal obstacles. 0 
S. J. HbtamiK, aiudio manager, and 
attorney. Miaurt^ Benjamin,' hud- 
dled all day Monday (1) trying to 
figure out angle to jump or bypass . 
legal hurdles presented by 'Trumbo's 
contract. It's understood his pact ' 
has no so-icalled '^morality clause," . 
and there Is no apparent ^Out for the . 
studio. 

(dole's pact, it was stated, pre- 
sents no such problems but the - 
studio is withholding firing him in 
order to axe both together. 

RKO was the first studio to act 
in the ' . industry - wide pur^'e. 
Adriiya Sootti producer, and Edward : 
Dmortryk, producer-director, were ' 
'dismissed and two pictures they had 
lined rop- 'or p{oduction were 
dropped 'from the studio schedule. 
Third to go was Ring Lardner, Jr., 
screen writer, who vras tossed out 
of 20th.Fox. 

Pictures cancelled by RKO were 
Scott's "The Boy with Green Hair,"; 
a story stated to have social impli* 
cations, and.Dmyti^k's "Tlie- White 
Tower," a tale of Switzerland with' 
.an international backgrouncL An- 
other 'Dmytryk production, "The 
Harder They FaH," will be turned 
over' to another RKO producer. 

RKO's ousters of Scott -and 
Dntytryk read: "You have recently 
refused to answer certain questions, 
propounded hy t comuditee of the 
House of Representatives. By your 
conduct in that regard and by your 
actions, attitude, associations, pub- 
lic statements, and general conduct 
before, at and 'since tliat time you 
have brought yourself into disrepute 
with a large -section of the public, 
have offended the community, have 
prejtWiced this corporation as your 
employer and the motion picture in- 
ctu^ry in- general, have lessened 
your capacity fully to comply with 
your employment agreement end 
have -otherwise violated your em-- 
ployment agrcemenfwtth iis." 

The following statemeiit was is- 
sued by ^Scott and Dmytryk: -• 
"We have received our dismissal 
• CContinued on page 23) 



Communism. 

"I challenge the film producers of 
California to investigate 'itbis state- 



Montez Files 2506 Suit . 
Over U-I 'Exfle' Bflling 

Los Angeles, Dec. 2.- . 
Maria Montez filed suit for $250,- 
000 against Universal-International, 
charging the studio v^ith failure to 
carry out an agreement to givp her 
top billing in the Douglas Fair* 



House citations and not permit them 
to.be presented to a Grand Jury, A 
similar request was made of -George 
Morris Fay, V. S. Attorney for tiie 
District of Columbia, whose office 
received the citations. 

The move, of course, was one fdr 
the record in the event the case 
should go up to the Federal appel- 
late courts. In the petition to Clark, 
a copy of which also went to Fay, 
the A. G. was urged to "instruct the 
United States Attorney for the Dis- 
trict of Columbia not to present the 
citations to the Grand Jury. As At- 



'Roosevelt Story' Set 
For 400 11 Playdates 

"Roosevelt Story," semi-documen- 1 
taiy biopic of the late FDR, will | 
preem in. 'London early in January i 
and is booked for 400 flrstrun en- I 
gagemeuts throughout the United | 
:Kingdom immediately afterwards. 

British distribution of the film, I 
produced by Tola Productions, is to I 
be -handled by Pathe, whose man- | 
aging dhrector, William Moffatt, 
signed the booldng pact. Most of 
the theatres that will play it are in { 
the ABC circuit. 

"Story" is being distributed in i 
the U. S. and elsewhere abroad by 
United ArtistSii. 



banks, Jr., production, '"Hie Exile, . „ ^, 

Federal Judge J. P. T. O'Connor Itorney General of the United States, 
. ' the peopje'r attbriiey, you are caUed 



I issued a temporary order . restrain- 
uig Universal from issuing publicity 
or billing - on the picture until the 
hearing, slated for Dec. S. . 



PCA Scores Purge 

Roundly condemning the film in- 
dustry for capitulating to the House I 
Un-American Activities Committee, i 
65 prominent citizens, including 1 
show biz personalities, charged in 
an open letter that Holly wood "has I 
opened the door, to Government 
censorship of all commimication me- 
dia." Issued by the arts, sciences and 
professions council of the Progres- 
sive Citizens of America, statement | 
was .signed .among others by Oariinn 
Kanin, Ruth Gordon, Deems Taylor, 
Leonard Bernstein, O. John Rogge, I 
Oiin Downes, Uta Hagen, * Paul 
Robeson, Marc Blitzstein, Dorothy 
Parker, Robert Heller, Goodman | 
Ace, Libhy Holman, IttineVva Pious, 
!%ilip Loeb and Jerome Chodoro^^. 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Neil Agnew 
Martin Block 
Harris Brown 
Sidney Buchman 
Marian Carr 
JoanCaulfield 
Bob Cobb 
!pame Cronyn 
Gene Kelly 
Arthur M. Loew 

Diana Lynn 

Douglas MacLean 
Ilona Massey 
Kenneth MacKenna 
Charles C. Moskowitz 
Hal Roach, Sr. 
John Rubol 
E. L. Scanlon 
Arthur Schenck 
George A. Smith 
Barry Sullivan 
'Vera 'Vague 
Bichard Whorf 
Carey WilKon 



Not Even in Jest 

Columbia has an old Hodgcrs 
& Hart legit musicdll, "Pal Joey," 
on the agenda, and of course the 

Gene Kelly (now a Metro Star) 
to attention was anything but 
Communistic. . 

None the less, because of the 
Stalin connotation that prop- 
erty is currently a ticklish 
property. 



[upon to exercise your independent 
I judgment on the presentation of this 
citation." 3^he brief argued that the 
XContintjied on page 23} 

N*Y. to Europe 

Robert Benjamin 
Virginia Bruce 
.Gladys Cooper 
Margalo Gillmore 
Greta Keller 
" Arthur W. Kelly . 
Wladimir Lissim 
Jan Struther~ 
Terrence Rattigan 
Michael Weight 

N. Y. toL.A. 

taurcn Bacall .. 
Humphrey Bogart 
Sidney Franklin 
Dorothy Gulraan 
Grace Hayes 
Bob' Hope 
Carol Hughes 
Sammy Lewis 
Nicola Lubitsch 
Lou Mandel 
Lana Turner 
Rjul Villard 
John M. Whitaker 
Sol Zatt 

Europe to N. T» 

Belvins Davis 
Grade Fields 
Beatrice Lillle 
Artur Rubinstein 
George Shearing 
John C, Wilson 
Mrs. Cobina Wright 



SEMCK EAST ON BIZ 
AND 1RQ«E'S LEGIT £R 

David O. Selznick arrived in New 
York Thanksgiving.; bay (27) to 
spend the weekend school holiday 
with his two sons and- expects to 
remain east another week or so. 
Another purpose of his visit is to be 
on hand for opening- tonight 
(Wednesday) of "A Streetcar Named 
Desire," legiter which his estranged 
wife, Irene, is producing. 

Selznick is also east to accept one 
of the Chinese government's high- 
est decorations, the Order of the 
Brilliant Star, tomorrow (Thurs- 
day) . It is being awarded in recog- 
nition of his "unstinting efforts" on 
behalf of China Relief, in which he 
has bem active as a board member 
for the past seven yeant Decora- 
tion will be '.presented by the 
Chinese Ambassador, Dr. Wellington 
Koo, at the St. Regis hotel, N. Y. 

*Paul MacNamara, Selznick's v.p. in 
charge of advertising and publicity, 
and Neil Agnew, prez. of ^Selznick- 
Releasing Organization, also' arrived 
in New- York from the Coast over 
the w e c k e n d. MacNamara was 
bedded with the grippe 6i» Monday 
(1). He's to, work with Bob Gillham, 
eastern pub-ad Chief, on the cam- 
pa^n for '^Paradine Case," which 
will be iSBO's next 

Agnew was on the* Coast to huddle 
on a number of decisions and con- 
fab with Charles P. Skouras on Na- 
tional Theatres' returns on "Duel in 
the Sun." NT's Fox-West Coast also 
will be used for test engagements 
on "Intermezzo," which Selznick is 
planning to reissue. If it goe.s well, 
SRO will set up a special sales force 
to handle it so it won't interfere 
with release of "Paradine.^' 



'Paradine's' Oscar Pitch 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

David O. Selznick registered the 
first official entries in the Oscar 
Derby with "The Paradine Case " as 
the best picture and Alfred Hitch- 
cock as the best director of 1947. 

Picture, currently in the scoring 
and editing stages, will be shown in 
a Los .Angeles theatre late this 
month, its only screening before Its 
January opening in New York^ 



yfkOmdtift Pecwttbcr 8, 1947 



JPICTUBBS 



32 TUNERS 48 COLOR PIX IN '48 



Brdlidowii of Color and Filnmskals 

Black »nd White Oiher Color 

JMIVSIcalft Cglpr Muslckls Filnis 

.Co1nmM» ^. ....... 2 .... 2 

Flint ClamlcB 8 

Metro f ■ 8 2 

Paramount 113 

BKO ; 1 3 1 

Bepubllc ' I 1 , 5 

iSOth-Fox 3 2 8 

Vnited ArtUta .\. 9 .... 4 

.Universal ■...■•■•..> :-2„ , . ■ i- 

Warnera 1 1 1 

,' Totals ....-.•> 19 13 3iS 



KeDy in London to Represent UA 
In Rank s Move to Sell GCFC to Odeon 



London, Dec. 2. , 
Arthur W. Kelly, United Artists 
exec v.p., is expected here by air to- 
pibytow (Wednesday), for the pur- 
pose, It.ls understood, of registering 
-the company'is objection to J. Arthur 
JRauk's proposal for sale of his Gen- 
eral Cinema Finance Corp. to his 
Odeon Theatres circuit. UA owns a 
27Vj% interest in Odeon and, like 
many other stockholders, is under- 
stood highly disturbed at Bank's 



Last • w.eek's announcement of the 
sale plan brought much bitter com- 
thent anept Hank' and his motives. 
It was alleged in film and financial 

' circles that OCF, which finances the 
Bank . pix and is almost wholly 
owned by him, is not much of a 
moneymaker. On the other hand, 
Odeon, which is publicly owned, 
shows large profits, it was said. 

I^easohihg is, therefore, that Bank 
Is trying to hang the weak-sister 
Anance corporation, on the lusty the- 
atre chain, which would redound to 
his own profit but vrork against the 
Odeon stockholders. ■ Hank, in a 
pulilic statement, denied tlus, claim- 
ing the move is merely a simplifica- 
tion of his, operations and not of wide 
public interest. 

Financier and producer declared 
press comment on the deal wps "mis- 
chievous and misinformed." He said 

• shareholders oi 90.% of the Odeon 
stock were consulted and approved 
the move. It's reported about 
(Continued on page 18) 

EDDIE GOLDEN SETS B.R. 
FOR HIS NEXT UA niM 

Arrangements were completed in 
New York last week by Edward A. 
Golden for financing of his 'Texas, 
Brooklyn and Heaven," which he 
will produce for United Artists re- 
lease. He expects to return to the 
Coast at the end of this week or 
early next week and have the film 
in production by Feb. 1. 
' Originally labeled "Eddie and the 
Archangel Mike,*' pic has been de» 
, layed lor months by difficulties of 
completing production financing. 
Combination of the crackup of the 
foreign market and melee in UA's 
internal affairs have made it all but 
impossible for indies distributing 
through the company to Obtain bank 
and second money. 

Gplden arranged for first money 
with the Continental Bank, N, Y., 
and l^rough personal sources for the 
remainder. 



Maurice Bergman 

(who cartatnly thowiii know aboHt 
tlMii« Hiinfl*) IM* a. f*w iMb^i t« 

*'Crisis h the 
. Backbone** 

in th« 

42d Annivertary Number 



Out Soon 



UA Win Contest 
Cagney's life' 
Going Via WB 

United Artists will flght any at- 
tempt by James and William Cagney 
to give "Time of Your Life" to an- 
other distributor for release, but 
concedes presence ' of a clause in 
their UA pact whiclv might place 
the deal made with Warner Bros, 
last week beyond any court contest. 
Clause gives them the right to can- 
cel their UA release deal if they find 
it impossible to obtain production 
financing. They claim to have now 
reached that impasse. . 

Since "Time of Your Life" is com- 
pleted, UA : holds that it in no way 
can be affected by the cancellation 
.clause. Nevertheless, William Cag- 
ney has stated publicly he will not 
deliver it to UA and has held it 
several months since work on it was 
completed. UA has heard nothing 
officially about either the refusal to 
deliver "Life" or the WB deal,- so 
can take no legal action as yet. Can- 
cellation to go with Warners will be 
carefully scrutinized for legality, of 
course.'- ,-. ■ . 

Agreement, with Warners covers 

.■ (Qonlinued on. page 16) 



STUDIOS S[[ 'EM 
ASSUREFIIIEBl 



Despite the high costs almost in- 
variably involved in producing 
large-scale musicals, film studios will 
offer at least 32 big song-and-dance 
films within the next year. .And, 
despite Technicolor production, being 
more costly . than ■ ever and no ap- 
parent easing in- the current logjam ' 
at the Techni processing • labs, the 
film companies Will nonetheless .have 
some 48 tinted films, utilizing Techni 
or some other process. 

Figures are incomplete, since few 
of the companies have announced 
their total number of releases for 
the forthcoming, year, but they rep- 
resent those films already scheduled 
or in various stages of production. 

Beason for the apparent paradox 
involved in turning out more: costly 
pix during a period of uncertain 
r.iarket conditions is merely an - at- 
tempt to establish some bulwark 
against a further dip in grosses. 
Musicals, even in the worst condi- 
tions, have always been- veritable 
guarantees of good earnings. "Color," 
by the same token, is always a magic 
marquee word. With the film .com- 
panies casting about for almost any 
means of bolstering sliding grosses^ 
(Continued, oil page 23) " 

Joel Bezahler New Aide 
To Rodgers; M-G Kicks 
Off 4-Day N.Y. Sales Meet 

Metro sales veeiiee William F. 
Bodgers teed off the company's di- 
vision" sales managers meet yester- 
day (Tuesday) at the Hotel Astor, 
N. Y., with the announcement that 
Joel Bezahler, heretofore homeoffice 
assistant to the midwest division 
sales chief, had been promoted to the 
post of executive assistant' to Itodg- 
ers.: . ■■• ■' '■■■■•■■■■//■:: 

With assistant general salesmana- 
gers Sddie Aari^n and fidwin M. 
Saunders aiding Bodgers currently 
at the homeoffice, Bezahler's ap-. 
pointment brings to four the num- 
ber of top homeoffice sales execs. 
He's the first member of the sales 
staff to assume that position, since 
Bodgers has operated heretofore 
without such an aide. 

Rodgers opened the four-day meet 
by briefing his field sales toppers, 
on the company's forthcoming prod- 
uct. It's believed unlikely that he'll 
reveal the total numbers of pictures 
to be released by Metro during 1948, 
as other companies have done pre- 
ferring instead to operate only a 
few months in advance: of current 
(Continued on page 16) ' . 



Producers ai^ Gnil^ Continue 
Parleys on Purging Pix of Reds 



.W. A. S. Douglas 

djeablt-lMtMrpi 

"A- Story From Phila- 
delphia and, a Title 
From London" 
• * '* 

an Editorial Mglili«M fa tlia 
fonlicomiag ' 

42d Annivertary Number 

of 



Grant Resigns 
AsUABdardRep 




Arnold Grant has resigned as a 
representative of Mary Pickford on 
the United Artists board of direc- 
tors. His resignation was handed in 
two months ago, but he was asked 
not to mak^ the fact known, since 
it was feared announcement would 
upset banking negotiations pending 
at the time. 

While the board technically " re- 
fused to accept - the attorney's bow- 
out from the affairs of the company, 
he has not been attending directors' 
meetings. Besignation has now been 
accepted.' Grattt will continue, how- 
ever, as Miss Pickford's counsel, his 
Coast firm, Prinzmetal & Grant, rep* 
resentiiig her there and his eastern 
firm, Weisman, Grant, Nova & Dos- 
kow, representing her in New Yorki 
' Grant said yesterday (Tuesday) 
that he felt his resig^Aation was ad- 
visable, since Ids f rec(aent Ctiast trips 
made 'it impossible to attend board 
meetings regularly. Occasional at- 
tendance, he added, did not make it 
possible to provide ' any "construe-' 
tive contribution.". 

Another Pickford. director re- 
signed a few weeks ago, although 
that was under somewhat strained 
circumstances without the amica- 
bility that has marked GranVs 
departure. Other dire'ctor was 
Franklin Colei -an. investment bank- 
: (Continue oil page 22) 



Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

Producers and guilds continued 
through today (Tuesday) the series 
of , meetings that began last Friday 
(28) with the returns of industry 
toppers from the New York sessions 
on ridding the industry of alleged 
Communists. Producers, at .their 
meetings in Louis B. Mayer's office, 
were trying to work out methods of 
carrying out last week's^ anti'-Bed 
decision, vtrhile the guilds w'ere '!b« 
tent on seeing that none of their 
members was unjustly harined.: - ; 

A: five-hour joint session was held - 
Friday between producers and the * 
guilds. It's understood that no satis- 
factory, conclusion was reached on 
the Communist issue and both sides 
then began ' a series of separata 
meetings. 

Emergency session of the Screen 
Writers Guild boarjl, followed the 
genera] huddle, with'prexy Sheridan 
Gibney declaring thftt -because "of 
the gravity and complexity of the 
problem, that arose" in the meeting 
with the producers, the SWG board 
"is seeking to work out a program' 
with the actors and directors to pro- 
tect the rights of our members and 
the' industry as a whole." He said 
a joint statement by the SWG, the 
Screen 'Directors Guild and the 
Screen Actors Guild would be issued , 
as soon as they can f ormulate ' « : 
common policy. " He denied that the ' 
SWG had acted as yet oh firinfe of 
three of itis members, as a result of 
the new industry policy. [Dalton 
Trumbo and Lester Cole are, as yet, 
not off Metro's payroll; see separate 
story.] 

The SWG membership met Mon» 
day (1) night for a long discussion 
(Continued on page 16) ; 



Rep to Reissue Jennifer's 
Pic When She Made $75 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

Bepublic's "New Frontier," Jenni- 
fer Jones- John .Wayne starrer made 
in 1939, when she was known as 
Phyllis Isley, is up for reissue. Aside 
from a "Dick Tracy" serial, film was 
her only stint for Bep. 

Plans are to use the Jones mon- 
icker in reissuing film. She was mak- 
ing $75 weekly then and was dropped 
after, pic wound up, after which 
David O. Sclznick picked her up and 
loaned her to 20th-Fox for "Song of 
Bernadette," her first hit. 

When 20th wanted Miss Jones 
again for "Laura," he nixed it be- 
cause he didn't think the story was 
good enough for her, Gene Tierney 
made pic while Miss Jones went into 
"Cluny Brown" for 2011i. 



ROGART TERMS WASH. 
TRIP A TOOUSH' MOVE 

Characterizing his recent .appear- 
ance in Washington as a member of 
the .Committee for the Fir|it Amend- 
ment as, "ill-advised and even 
foolish," Humprey Bogart issued the 
following statement y e s t e i" d a y 
(Tuesday) in explanation: 

"My recent trip to Washington, 
where I appeared with a group of 
motion picture people, has become 
the subject of such confused and 
erroVieous interpretations that. I 
feel the Situation should be clarified. 

"I am not a Communist. 

"I am not a Communist 
sympathizer. 

"I detest Gommimism just as any 
other decent American does. 

"I have never in my life been 
identified with any group which was 
even Sympathetic to Communism. 

f'My name will not be found' on 
any Communist front organization 
(Continued on page 18) 



National Boxoffice Survey 

Thanksgiving Week Upbeat — 'Dolphin/ 'Life/ 
'Mitty/ 'Body/ 'Unconquered,' Tun' Make Big Six 



With very few exceptions, business 
at flVstruns throughout the country is 
forging ahead this w^ek with a 
healthy boost from Thanksgiving 
week holiday crowds and upped 
scales for the occasion. Only a few 
key cities indicated early Christmas 
shopping was hurting the usual Twc- 
key Day upbeat. ■ 

"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G), 
with playdates in .some 19 keys, is 
soaring to national boxoffice peak 
this stanza. It's way ahead of near- 
est b.o. rivals currently.: Even in the 
offish cities such as Louisville, it's a 
leader, even though not as socko as 
elsewhere. ' 

Bob Hope's "Where There's Life" 
(Par) is in second groove by a 
healthy margin with about 15 new 
playdates. Also up in the big coin 
of the week are "Walter Mitty" 
(BKO) and "Body and Soul" (UA) 
in that order. "Unconquered" (Par) 
and "Fun, Fancy Free" (BKO) round 
out the list of Big Six money-getters. 

Bunners-up are topped by "Wist- 
ful Widow" (U) and "This Time for 
Keeps" (M-G). The former, Abbott- 
Gostello comedy, shapes solid in 
Providence and big on second week 
in N. Y.. besides doing okay in Cin' 
cinnati and Minneapolis. 

Of the newcomers launched this 



week, "Daisy Kenyon" (20th), "Out 
of Past" (BKO), and "Exile" .(U) 
shape up as having greatest possibil- 
ities. "Whispering . City" . . (EIj), 
backed by a good stage layout; looks 
nice in San Francisco, while "liove 
From Stranger," from the" same dis- 
tributor, is solid on preem in N Y. 

"Fabulous Texan" (Bep) is doing 
well in Denver in two houses. "Ha- 
gen Girl" (WB), while disappointing 
in Baltimore and Washington, is 
okay this week in Chicago and In- 
dianapolis. "Thunder in 'Valley" 
(20th) is. making such a mild show- 
ing in initial week at N. Y. Boxy , 
that it may not be held over two 
stanzas. Picture was disappointing 
when released several months ago 
under original title, "Bob, Son. of 
Battle," in a couple of test dates. 

"Had to Be You" (Col) shapes Ht 
nicely this round in Balto and, Pitts- 
burgh. "Escape Me Never" Cfr'B) is 
doing mildly in Cincy, Cleveland, 
Philadelphia and Louisville. Huge biz 
that's being racked iip this week by 
"Mitty" in such keys as Washington, 
Providence, Minneapolis, Boston, 
Cleve., Balto. and L.A. is in line with 
the strong showing in N. Y. where 
film is in :16th week. 

(Complete Boxoffice Reports on 
Pages 8-9) 



NEW HIGH REACHED 
ON PICTURE LOANS 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

While other banks were showing 
a strong tendency to lay off loans.for 
picture-making, a new high for sucb 
loans was reached (1) by the Bank 
of America here. Becord scored waa : 
both for iimount and number of such 
deals,' according to -Bernard Giannini, 
v.p., in "charge of film financing. 
Previous high was reached June 1. 

Giannini declared that .producers 
are generally cutting budgets. The 
last few to submit propositions for 
financing had costs 15%, to 20% un- 
der what they were six months ago* 
he said.. 

' The past three weeks has seen a 
slight easing in the number of ap- 
plications, Bank of America exec 
said, and a drop' is .anticipated dur- 
ing- the next few months, then a 
pickup again. He judged the- present 
high may be d,ue to producers' an-- 
ticipation of the first Monday 
Marph, when all. exposed negative 
regularly comes in for a levy by the 
state, 

1^'anker said 1947 had been a ban- 
ner year for pic loans, with eacK 
month seeing increased business. 
Loans ha ve been made mostly to 
established 'production units rather 
than many new firms. Bank still 
wrote the ticket, Giannini declared, 
and sjuck to it always, so there- Were 
no losses, and there's no anticipation 
of any despite unsettled situation in 
the film business, . 



'Good News' Brevity 
Cues M-G Sales Policy 

• Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

With "Good News," Metro adopti 
a sales policy that William Rodgers, 
sales head, has been advocating for 
years: shorter running time. for big 
budgeters. ' . 

Firstrun exhibs have been com^ 
plaining they eaji't get good turn- 
overs with pix that run two houra 
or more. Even "Dolphin Street," 
which ran 138 minutes, cut five min- 
utes, not much but something. Ex- 
cept for specials like Paramount'g 
"Unconquered" and RKO's "Electra," 
exhibs are .demanding films- under 
100 minutes. "News" runs 93, and 
is first of Metro's toppers tomeet 
demand. 



Wednesdaj, Deeember 3, 1947' 



Despite Chnrdi hessnre 'Andier' 
loiB.O.'BodyanlWNikZ 




. With 9 record number of playcjatest' 
the forepart of the month, "Forever 
Amber" (20th) easily sailed off with 
the November boxofflcis champton- 
ehSp, according to weekly b.o. reports 
from 'Vahietv correspondents in 
about ^7 representative 17. S. key 
diies^ Technicolor opus finished 
first, iar ahead of its nearest com- 
petition in two weeks, was second in 
a third stanza and fourth , even in 
the 'Other week, although' mainly 
faoldov«! 'in final November session. 

"•Amber" hung up $1,600,000 in the 
tour weeks in keys covered by 
VittilETY, biggest total in years to be 
reached by a single picture in a four- 
week period. This was about $800,000 
ahead of its nearest competitive pic- 
ture, and was recorded: . despite 
strong opposition from ths Catholic 
Church, 

Second place went , to "Body and 
Soul" (UA) although this pic. was 
dn general release only three weeks 
during the month. Remarkably big 
showing was turned in even though 
business dipped generally nation- 
wide in the week ending Nov. 26, 
UA'-Enterprise entry nosed out "Un- 
cdnquered" (Par), which dropped 
down to third slot largely because it 



Nov. « Gold^ii Pozen ^ 

1. "FQ»tv«r Anib«r>* (20th). 

2. 'TBody aiid Soul"' (UA). 

3. "UnconqUered" (Par). 

4: «Wait«r Mit^y; (bkq).,, . . 

B. "Magic Towh" (llKO). ' ' 

6. "Had To Be You" (Col). 

7. "Song of I^ove" (M-G),. 

8. "Christmas Eve" (UA). 

9. "Time iat Keeps" (M-C). 

10. "Where There's Life" (Par), 

11. "Life With Father" (WB), 

12. "Dolphin Street" (M-G). 



20th and Chur^ili StiD 
Tussling 0?er 'Amber' 
But New Rating Seen 



'Window* stalled in NX 
Because of Moppet* s Gold 

Shooting ichcdule on KKO'c 
"Window," first film Irom that com- 
pany to he lensed entirely in New 
York, la now running several days 
behind. Slowdown^ however, is not 
due to any intricacies involved in 
.eastern production. 

Bobby DriscoU, moppet star of the 
film, came down with a bad «oia 
last week and, ,sjnc« he appeaVs in 
almost every scene, it was found 
impossible to shoot around him. To 
date, -producer Frederic . Ullman, 
Ji;., is well satisfied with, working 



f Forever , reinaiiJed ij^is 

wefek ill the C?iith<iyi> iUgiptt of De- 
cency's "condemned" category, al- 
though zdthiFox 'pfliciffi ■ ire hope- 

_ ful that a change in classification 

was launched in so few addition k^s will be forthcoming momentarily. 



during the 'final two weeks of No- 
vember. ' DeMille pic held near the 
tojp in first three weeks, being , uni- 
tdrmly. strong te smash in initial 
stanzas wherever played. 

•"Walter Mitty" (EKO-Goldwyn)', 
v^hich had started, in only a few 
scattered spots during October, re- 
flected additional playdates , a n d 
' tesX ^tetngth'to move up fkom sev- 
enth, (in' Octeiber) place to fourth 
position; where firmly entrenched as 
the month ended. : 

FlfOi Plkee Battle 
•Magic Town" (HKOy and "Had To 
Be You" iCol) fought it out for 
fifth place, with, the James 'Stewart's 
numerous playdates also clocking 
good business. "Had To Be," in sixth 
spot^ landed in: fourth position na- 
tionallr m» week and- deserved this 
rating', because cUHng i^e trade in 
nearb' all locations. 

"Song of Love"- (M-G) racked up 
some' .solid business in -some loca- 
tions in two. weeks ot.tfae ttionth, but 
could not make better than 'seventh, 
being inclined to- be^ spotty, espc 
ciaUy on holdovers. 
Eve" (UA) completed 
. ^it^th- "from top largely . via fairly 
good representation three weeks, out 
of four. ' "This Time for Keeps" 
(M'G) ' won • ninth position, '"libsing 
out "Where There's l.if<' (Par). 
Latter was just getting startecl as the 
month elided. With . many pri^e 
bookings for file Bob tLta^t, comedy 
likely to be held for .the year*end 
holiday season. 

."Life With Father" (WB) copped 
lith" spot - while "Green Dolphin 
Street" (M-G) managed to hit 12th. 
Last-nan}ed was displaying some 
marked strepgth tattiougfa not dated 
in many places^,. 

, Bwiineni-tFi^ 
Best in.r'unnerrup classiflcaiion for 
November are "Fabulous Texan" 
(Hep). "EjEil«" (U)„ "Spirit of West 
Point" (FC)t -Wild Harvest" (Pai ), 
"Mertoj! of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Bide Pink Horse" <U). 

Besides. "Dolphin, Street," new en- 
trant showing greatest potentialities 
as -the month -ended were ^'Fugitive" 
(BKO) "Gentleman's Agreement" 
(20th) , and "MoUrning,Becomes Elec- 
tra'V (RKO). "Agreement," while 
launched . in only two keys^ did such 
smash trade in these, two bigger 
cities that outstanding business seems 
assured when given, additional play- 
dates. ' 

"Bachelor and BobbyrSoxer" 
(RKd) and "Welcome Stranger," 
two champ businessrgetters of previ- 
ous-months, evidenced their rare 
stamina- by snagging great trade in 
the few big key cities where teeing 
off during November. 



Spokesmen fpt both the Legion 
and- 20th ref use.d to commetit.on 
what cuts, it any, had been made in 
the film. Long delay in the Legion's 
decision indicateSi'tfae problejiii <»t »^^ 
vamping the picture is a tou^j>ne 
ta solve. It's, known, that JjOtft pwao*. j 
Spyros SkQuras huddled alt dajr last 
Wednesday (29) with Legitnn nlp- 
cials and both ' BUtfita have heUP to-' 
tensive huddles on "Amfeer" during 
the week. 

Evidence that . the ' '.'cohdenmed" 
rating on "Amber" was hurting the 
boxoffice continued to roll in. Mote 
exhibitors, it's reportedr "Wi^tedL out 
of their ccmtracts rather ,:th^ 'rK^ 
the wrath of local church dignitarii^ 
What stand I^adelphia's.>t>ehdfs 
Cwrmal Dougherty , would laV-e ' jt : 
ttte film ^ere recUussl&(!^ \iias. 'stilt - 
not been determined. 1^ Carding' 
last weeic tossed liis threatened one-' 
year hoycott at -&e Fox, PhHly, and - 
at any other house' in his nihe-couh- 
t'y archdiocese playing 20th ^;o,^uct, 
because the Fox hadn't palled the 
"Christmas \ picture within the 4d-hour deadline 
the -month he set up. 



Pitt 'Outlaw' 



jssssm c«Winiiea.^fre» page »ss 

city this past Sunday (SiQ) .had -not 
theatre ' :agreed ta- pull "Outlaw.' 
After hurried telei^one conferences 
between John 'Vtfalsh; manager of 
house, and hi* homeoltice, decision 
was made ill time, to avoid possibility 
of ban. - ■ ■•■,'■■■' 

Although similar pressure was 
brought on Harris Anuis. Co. when 
"Forever Amber" opened last month, 
picture played 'three and a half 
weeks downtown between Harris 
and Senator theatres. Finally, how- 
ever, John H. Harris, head of the 
circuit, agreed not to play it in any 
of his nabe houses. "Amber" began 
several indie ' dates here recently, 
and film came o>it after a single day 
in many locations l>ecause of church 
action, .' 



20th's More Into 16ni 
Alerts TOA as Other 
Distribs Eye Field 

Plan of 20th-Fox to peddle 16m 
films commercially in marginal areas 
coupled with rumors that other com- 
panies may travel the same road Is. 
speeding plans of the Theatre <^wa« 
ers of America to grapple with the 
problem. TOA is calling a meeting 
of its 16m committee in New York, 
Dec. 10, to consider ej(hlb counter- 
moves. 

It's expected that the committee 
will an-ange conferences with the 
various majors -and also call In the 
16m associations for huddles.. Con- 
fabs are slated with a view of find.- 
ing out if steps to cure points of un- 
fair competition can be taken with- 
out an intra-trade battle. 

TOA committeemen attending the 
meet will be Myron Blank and Fred 
Kentv co-chairman; and Emanuel 
Friseh, Gil Nathanaon, W. W. Grif- 
fin, Sidney Lust, N. L. Carter, Mitch- 
ell Wolfson and Arthur Lockwood. 
TOA's top brass will sit in. . 

Committee is concerned because 
there are 60,000 narrow>'gaage pro- 
jectors already distributed : in the 
U, S. and the manufacturing industry 
is tuned up to turn out 40,000-50,000 
yearly. Rentals on 16m prints aver- 
age $250,000 , yearly to a major .dis.- 
trib and it's felt that sort of income 
doesn't warrant distribs risking toss 
ot :income from standard features. 
Wider use -of 16ni attractions by-,de- 
partment stores, ball parks, fraternal 
meeting and churches are cited. . 



PARSTEPPIiiG(H)Tm'48 

. aramount, which has -been hold- 
ing off on overseas 16m .Operations 
for the past /ear will step out in the 
field early in 1948. A. "L. Pratchett, 
Par's ■manager for Iiatin America, is 
bookied to tour his sector in January 
to study narr.ow-gauge poss'ibilities. 
Company is still uncertain .'whether, 
profits would be healthy enough to 
'warrant full-scale 16m campaigns. 
Pratchett will either greentight a 
hemispheric drive or call . oi1( :'. the 
whole tiling. 

To date. Par has only gor->> into 
tiie PhUippines .and Malaya with 
16m prints. Those twe locales have 
beea turning in a small sco&t. ODerx 
ations have been marlied ler expan- 
sion into Cuba and alfewother Car- 
ibbean islands. 

Company's definitely decided on 
mariteting narrow-gaguge celluloid 
in France once the politicaT and 
economic atmosphere clears there. 
France was definitely tagged because 
it has an estimated 3,000-3,500 out- 
lets. • ■ 



Mystery Pickets Join 

Piit Bin Briefly 

Pittsburgh, Dec. 2. 

The Fulton bad. another attrac- 
tion this week besides : "The- Out- 
law','' It was "The Picketif Mys- 
tery.'', ■ , 

Couple of fellows showed up right ' strand, 
after the pie opened, .idariying signs 
•wWnAt read "no decent jpersoh will 
atten4 this performance," and re^ 
fused to identify themselves. No- 
body else could -either. No religious 
«r other organization : laid claim' to 
them. 



Meihiiliis Nixes 'Orleans' 

^Memphis, Dec. 2. 
Chairman Lloyd T. Binford, of the 
Memphis censor boards already un- 
der fire in legal action of UA and 
Hal Roach against hi* censoring of 
'^Gurley," has finally ruled against 
showing of Jules Levey's "New 
Orleans" in Memphis. 

Binford declined to discuss the 
ban with the press, but is under- 
.sfood to object to prominence of 
Louis Armstrong, Negro jazz trum- 
peter, in the picture. Local snipper 
also was reported as critical of 
gambling sequences. 

Local tioard Js Increasingly 
.<;ecrctive about Its actions. It's Just 
been learned that Slim Gaillard Trio 
was clipped from "Sweetheart of 
Sigma Chi" when Monogra.Ti bju- 
sical was shown last week at the 



Death of Ernst Lubitsch this ■week cuts by one the very few director* 
whose names carried, boxoffica drawing poWer on theatre marquees, 
During tl)« '20'* and 'Sa's. "the LubMsclii toucV became a special box« 
' office lure. A* late as last year, liis "Cluny Brown" won critical ac- 
colades tor "the touch." Probably his top performances were early in 
sound film's history when he handled "The Student Prince" for Metro 
and then pioneered the comedy with songs in "Love Parade,'' a terrific 
winner for- Paramount. ■ 

Cecil B. deMille, Frank Capra, B. W. Griffitli and Rene 'Clair are 
perhaps the only other dhrectCff'S Vfbose names meant somethhig to the 
.public at large. 



PCC Drive Hits 819G 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. : 
Third Annual Appeal for subscrip- 
tions to the film 'industry's Perma- 
nent Charities Committee has 
reached a total of $610,336, or 63% 
of the goal. 

Eagle Lion, Disney and Tedi- 
nicotor are the first studlds to forge 
ahead of their 1946 contributions. 



Exec Prod. Says E Has 
'Arrived' Because Of 
AvaWe Loanovts 

Eagle Lion, after 15 months of 
tough sledding in which the com- 
pany brought out 23- pix^ has finally 
arrived in the estimation of other 
producers* according to Aubrey 
Schenbk, EL exec producer. Speak- 
tog for Bryan Foy, studio chief, 
Schenck declared: "We're . now 
establi.shed. That means- any star 
from another studio is available to 
us on leanout. The .only question 
is whether it pays us to do the bor- 
rowing.''. 

There'll tw . A. total of 24 pix made 
by and for the company durbig the 
1947<-48 season, exclusive of western- 
ers and -aetlon. films, Schenck said. 
Home, lot will make 12 top*budgeters 
and six Bs. Indie producers will 
make up the balance. Included in 
that figure are two which Walter 
Wanger will complete on the lot by 
next October. First Wanger effort 
will be "The Kank Wall," starrbg 
Joan Bennett, 

Schenck estimates production nut 
for the year at $18,000,000. Two 
Cinecdlor films, "Pchice 'VaUant*' and 
"Lorna Doone".may set the comipany 
back- as much as $1,800,000 apiece, he 
said. As for tow-^budgeters^ Harry 
Thomas, formur prez of -PRC . (now 
absorbed by EL) wiU taM on the 
entire oater ' program. He's -con' 
tracted to deliver eight, westerns' 
during the year. Hiere'll also be 
six to eight cheapies from outside 
producers including Matty Kemp, 
Lionel Toll, Frank iSatenstein, Jerry 
Briskin and Maurice Bapf: 

The big thing, Schenck- said. Is 
the rush to make location films with 
EL joining the parade by planntaig.; 
five- for the current season. What's 
new is that EL has issued orders 
not to wait :for weather on location 
shooting. "Rain used to' be a buga- 
bo, but it!a Ao ' longer so," jiroducer' 
said. "If it's rsiiiiiDg and ttie light- 
ing is uncertain. Mire shoot it any- 
way. We've learned that the- audi- 
ence wilt accept it as a touch -of- 
naturalism and .not just poor photog- 
raphy." 



ffies oil Ceast 

.... Holly»rood, Dec. 2. 

Ernst Lubitsch, 55, vet film direc- 
tor- and- producer- whose career 
spanned the' Industry's rise over the 
past 35 years, died suddenly Sunday 
(30) at his Bet-Air home, near Hol-< 
ty wood, following a heart attack. He 
had been under medical care for a 
heart condition for th« past several 
years. 

Recently returning to the 20tti-Fox 
lot after a prolonged Illness, he was 
half-finished with his director-pro- 
ducer chores on, "This Is the Mo- 
ment," a Betty Grabte- Douglas Fair, 
banks starrer. Earlier this year, he 
had signed a IS-year pact with the 
studio which extended a producer- 
director' contract drawn up in 1943. 

Bom in Berlin, Lubitsch began his 
theatrical career as an actor, but 
later turned to -writjng and directing 
under the tutelage of Max- Reinhardt 
After' staying with Reinhardt for 
ieven years, he turned irom legit to 
(jUrecting; and producing films, a 
medimtt In ivhleti he soon achieved 
Outstanding, success. Among his 
early pictures were "Passion" and 
"Deception" which introduced Pola 
Negri and Smil Jannings to the U. S. 

In 1922, he was brought to this 
countiT: by Mary Plckford to direct 
her in' "Rosita." Following a series 
of hits, he went to Warner Bros., 
where he duracted "Marriage Cir- 
cle," "Lady Windermere's Faii" and 
others. Later, he did "The Student 
Prince," "Ther Patriots," "Kiss Me 
Again" and "So This Is Marriage." 
He also introduced Maurice Cheva- 
lier in "Smiling ;Lieutenant" and 
Jeenettft MacDonald as the star of 
"Love Parade." At 2mh during the 
past four years he produced "Heaven 
Can Walt," "Royal Scandal" and 

Cluhy Brown." 

Last IMarch, Lubitsch rec^yed » 
special "Oscar" ,at the annual pres- 
entation of awards- by the. Academy . 
of Motion Picture Arts, and Sciences 
for his "coqtrlbutiom to.rthe Indus- 
try in 25 years as a director." 



' Ohio Lifta 'Cress' Ban 

Columbus, O., Dec. 2, 
Oliio Fihn Cinsor Board lifted a 
two-week bai^ on the showing of 
The Burning Cross," produced by 



FAC^k'S 20c DIVVY 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 
Max Factor Company reports net 
earnings of $1,660,760.03 for nine 
months ending Sept. 30. Profits be- 
for taxes were $2,863,379.37, on basis 
of 80% per share total dividend for 
year on Class A common publicly 
owned, 20c per share dividend re- 
quirement for 1947 being $747,251.60. 



Meantime, the pickets Just came 1 Screen Guild Pictures, a^ter deleting 
«n0,-,wept,f .remaining .briefly ^ when '[.Kiiat it tenned several "nauseating 
the crowds were thickest. ' ,e4<anj^ -b.^utiaL<scen9il,'! , .^^t-.•, i .- 



.»> 



*'My FaDorke Story 

Variety*g Annual Sympo- 
«ium o/ the Year't Beat 
■ Aneedota '] 
t» nemmttH Iff ■ 

KATHARINE COBNELL 
OB80N WELLES 
BENNETT CERF 
EDDIE CANTOR 
EARL WILSON 
f» Hie forthcMslim 
42d Anniveriary Number 
ti 



Erie Johnston will substitute' for 
Dore Schary tomorrow (Thursday) - 
at an awards dinner of the Golden 
Slipper Square' Club iii Philadel- 
phia. The WOO production chief, 
who was called back to the studio 
from New York suddenly on Sunday 
(30), was to have received a Hu- 
manitarian Aivard from the Masonic 
order for "combating bigotry" with 
the picture '^Crossfire." 

Motion Picture Assn. prexy will 
accept the honor for Schary while 
Francis s, Harmon, MPA veepee, 
will sub for him as industry 
rep at the dinner in New York at 
which Nobel awards will be passed 
out next Wednesday (10). AUiong 
other events, Schary was forced to 
cancel by his hurried departure was 
a talk at Harvard next Monday (8), 

Scbary's return to the Coast was 
requested by RKO prcz N. Peter 
Rathvon and Metro production top- 
per Louis B. Mayer. Followinc a not 
completely satisfa-^ory meeting with 
the talent guilds on the Communist 
question in Mayer's office Friday 
'28), Schary 's presence was desired 
ti strengthen the producers* side, 
.since the RKO topper is a former 
«crif)t<>r and member of the Screen 
■VVrttcw- Guild. ~ -•- i-^ir-^ 



IN NEW YORK, LOP^^ 

Following the lead of Universal, 
Columbia last week< completely 
wiped out its New York- London 
story department*;.Coupany greatly 
retrenched last September, leaving 
virtually skeleton staffs, which were- 
handed pink- slips and sevM-ance- pay 
the day before Thanksgiving. 

.lanet Wood; eastern, story ed; 
Beatrice AroHson, her assistant, and 
Albert Johnston, a reader, who- have 
comprised the entire New York staff 
since Sept. 12, were instructed to 
close up shop the day th^ got tiiehr 
noticit, ■ Ukewise Mis-. Susan Dall- 
son, who headed the London story 
department. 

' All companies have retrenched on 
coverage of stories and plays since 
the economy wave hit the industry 
following the British tax imposition 
in August. Only U and Col, how- 
;ever, abolished the departments 
completely, with others cutting 
down in varying degrees. Metro did 
least slicuig, despitfr the bevy of top- 
salaried execs in Its' story depart- 
ment. 



Wri^N.Y. Sales Meet 

Preliminary to a stepped-up dis-- 
tribution campaign during 19*8, 
Warnw Bros, is holding a two-day 
■sales meeting of district managers 
beginning tomorrow (Thursday) at 
the home office, Ben Kalmenson, 
general sales manager, will preside. 
. Other execs scheduled to address 
the meet on forthcoming product 
and promotion plans include Mort 
Blumcristock, viee-prexy over iad- 
publicity; j;ules Lapidus, Hoy Haine,* 
and Norman Ayres, division' Sales 
fnahagerisr arid Ed Hinchy, head of 
the playdate depatto^iit.^ ' ' ' ' 



1ir<iM9iM»day/1)eeemI»er 8, 1947 



MAJORS m COURT TRAP VS. BIDS 



JadBon Park ^kam Forces JB&K 
Into a Niew Flenbk Policy in Chi 



Chicago, Dec, 2. ^ 
Conferences between Paramount's 
homeofftce lawyers and the brass of 
the Balaban & Katz circuit have re- 
sulted in a decision on how Chi's top 
theatre chain will meet the radically 
new conditions laid down- by the 
Jackson Park decree. Henceforth, 
B&K's five Loop showcases will 
ioJlow a flexible playing policy vary- 
ing with each individual film. In 
the main, the situation will be gov- 
erned by the amount of first-run 
product available at the time. 

With the two-week celling on 
Loop first-runs, 'there'll be times 
when two or more B&K deluxers 
will play the same pic day-and-date. 
Simultaneous bookings will" be 
adopted when a film is considered 
strong enough to keep two houses in 
the Loop busy or when product is so 
tight that day-and-dates are the only 
answer. At other times, these show- 
cases will follow tiieir past habit of 
each booking diflEerent pix. 
. Another form of operation will 
alse be slotted by B&K toppers. 
That's to play films first-run as 
regional houses in situations away 
from the Loop. In such instances, 
> several of the B&K deluxers may be 
relegated temporarily to second-run 
position. ; ■ ' 

WB'» Edge 

Two Warner Bros, houges on the 
southside have corralled an unwit- 
ting advantage from the decree. 
Jeffrey and Capitol, along with the 
Jackson Park,' are now in a position 
to bid for first-run in that sector. 
Incidentally, the decree, which offi- 
cially became operative yesterday 
(1), was put to the ta«t last week 
when Paramount offered the Jack- 
son' Park an opportunity of bidding 
(Continued on page 18) 

♦♦♦♦»♦♦»♦♦♦»♦♦♦»♦«*♦♦♦ " 



Par Bows Out in Chi 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 
"Unconquered," Paramount's 
Technicolor spectacular which 
has placed at the United' Artists 
theatre^ Balaban & Kati: house, 
.for the past four weeks at ad- 
vanced admissions, was with- 
drawn today as the first casualty 
of the Jackson Park decree. 
Cecil B. DeMille film will not 
play anywhere else in the Chi- 
cago area at upped prices. 

Decree doesn't bar roadshow 
scales outright but enjoins de- 
fendants from forcing an exhib 
to take a film at hoisted price? 
tags. While Par's sales force 
says it's had several ' " volun- 
tary" offers fr'om exhibs, it 
doesn't think the time's ripe to 
raise the issue.^^^' 





Briefs From the lots: i 



»♦♦♦♦»»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦» 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

Warners will; make a two-reel 
till ter out of "The Grass ][s Always 
Greener," based on a one-act play 
by Betty Smitli and Howard Finch 
. . « Herbert Budley completed his 
role ia "Casbah" at Universal-Inter- 
national and moved into Sierra's 
"Joan." ... First of the' Academy- 
sponsored flUns about the motion 
picture ■ industry will be produced 
at RKQ by Edrar Peterion, execu- 
tive assistant to Dor'e Soliary . . 
Cllntom Snndberf draws, a featured 
part in "Eastei^ Parade" at Metro. 

B. O. Sprlncsteea will direct "The 
Heart of 'Virginia," racetrack story, 
at Republic ; : IVhtt Bissel and Don 
Beddoe checked in at t^niversal-In- 
ternertional for roles in "Another 
Part of the Forest." , . . Phil Ford 
drew director chores on "Cimarron 
Trails," starring Allan Xane at Re- 
public . , , John Emery appears in 
6,100 feet of the .Frank Seltzer pro- 
duction, "Let's Live Again," which 
iias a total footage of 6,300 . . . 
Pandro S. Herman draws producer 
reins on "The Bribe," a magazine 
yarn by Frederick Nebel, recently 
bought by Metro. 

June Havoc will play a Russian 
girl in "The Iron Curtain" when 
the troupe returns from Canada to 
the 20th-Fox lot . . . Una Merkel 
checked id at Metro for added 
scenes in "Virtuous." . . . Alan 
Yoiing signed for one of the leads 
in "Sweet Sue" at^20th-Fox . . . 
"Apartment for Peggy" is the re- 
le4se tag on "Apartment for Susie" 
at 20th-Fox . . . Wally Cassell .plays 
a character role in Columbia's "The 
Loves of Carmen." . . . Jack Votton 
arrives this week after three years 
In Europe, where RKO had shut 
down its production liaison office . . . 
Bob Tansey left for India to film 
jungle scenes for ''Man-Eaters of 
Kumaon," which Monty Shaft and 
Frank RosenberK will produce for 
Universal-International release. . 

Francis L. Sullivan, currently 
playing in Sierra's "Joan," is mull- 
ing a legit . play on Broadway next 
spring. . . Stanley Clements, recently 
released by Paramount, is ■ playing 

■ on the same lot in the Paulette Ood- 
dard starrer, ."Hazard". , .Itoymond 

■ Burr checked itt at Eagle Lion iot a 
tolfe in- "Corkscrew Alley" 



Wallis'12forPar 
Winds by Sept. 1 

Hal Wallis Productions will wind 
up its present 12-picture releasing 
deal with Paramount next Sept. 1, 
Joseph H. Hazen, Wallis's partner, 
said Monday (1) on his arrival in 
New York from Coast buddies with 
the producer. Negotiations for a 
new deal have been continuing with 
Par, execs for a number of months, 
Hazen said,- and will go on with, the 
expectation of reaching an agree-t 
ment before the current pact ex- 
pires. ■. i." 

It has been decided to put three 
pictures into production by spring, 
which will complete the 12 due. 
First, which starts lensing Jan. 12, 
will be. "Sorry, Wrong. < Number.'V 
with Barbara Stanwyck and Burt 
Lancaster,'' directed . by Anatole 
Litvak. It's from a widely known 
radio Suspense drama by Lucille 
Fletcher, which has been repeated 
on the air five Mmes and has been 
(Continued on page 16) 



JaekBon Park^ Chi, Gets 
1st Nabe Clearance Pic 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 

First direct nabe cleatance since 
Jackson Park anti-trust decision is 
that Of "Dark Passage," which 
opened last week in the Warner 
Bros, circuit houses, Capitol and 
Jeffery, day-and-dating with the 
Jackson Park. Pic is on a percentage 
deal, With film row wondering 
whether or not Warners -might use 
grosses to find -whether picts play- 
ing day-and-date with Jackson Park 
will bring in favorably comparable 
grosses. One of the major points in 
the suit was the loss of revenue 
through controlled bookings in WB 
circuit houses. 

Other clearance switch was ihe 
booking of "Forever Amber" into 
the indie lioop house, Rialto, Dec. 3 



s 

FiOM TEST SILES 

With the; U. S. Supreme Court 
scheduled to tee off hearings in the 
film industry's anti-trust suit during 
the week of Jan. 12, it's been 
learned that the majors have com^ 
piled reams of evidence to prove 
that the competitive bidding system 
incorporated in the original decree 
is of no benefit to either exhibitor 
or distributor. ' 

Since the original suit was filed 
against tlie majors for their alleged : 
restraint of trade practices, the com- 
panies are certain that the Court 
will come through with some form 
of selling that will insure a free 
and open market. Bidding, however; 
is not the answer, they'll claim, arid 
their legalites are expected to throw 
the book of evidence at the Court 
to prove their point. ' 

Chief fault found with bidding by 
the majors who've conducted ex- 
perimental tests with the system is 
the practice of many exhibs in of- 
fering bids way. over their |ieadS. ' 
Most of these, it's been found, are; 
desperately in need of product and 
so feel they can afford to gamble 
by bidding more than they can hope 
to pay. Too often, however, such 
exhibs have come pleading to the 
film companies that they can't meet 
the terms of their contract and some 
of them have even gone so far as 
to ask for a ' rebate, if a picture 
didn't do the business it was. expect- 
ed to do. - ' 

Drawback, according to the ma-' 
jors, is that they must take- the loss ; 
in such situations; Under the auction 
systeih as set up by the courts, 
there's no security to back ,up an 
exhib's bid and consequently no pro- 
tection for the distrib. Most majors 
Jiave merely taken their loss, crossed 
the recalcitrant exhib off tiieir books 
for future bids and - kept a record 
of the entire transaction to be used 
as evidence ' bet&re the Supreme 
Court' ■ • . •, ' 

Majors claim they've experiment- 
ed, with bidding in some 150-200 
situations In which product-oinched 
exhibs could prove . they rwete in 
competition with another theati^e 
and so had the right 'to bid for films. 
Only a few of the bidders have 
lived up to tlie terms of their con- 
tracts, it's claimed. In most such 
cases, moreover, the majors have 
been forced to sell away from- their 
old customers. * 



WB TALENT DEPT. ON 
COAST RESUMES JAN. 15 

. Hollywood, Dec. 2. 
.Warners' talent- department re 
opens Jan, 15 when department top- 
per Sophie Rosenstein returns after 
three-month layoff. Her, pact with 
studio calls for no more than tbree- 
moi^th shutdown annually. 

It's expected that studio's re- 
cently announced program of low 
budgeters will get under way shortly 
after her return. 



National Allied Trams Guns On 
MedScales, ASCAP in M wlee Conv. 



Drive-Ins Benefited 

One group of exhibitors that 
has benefited plenty from com- 
petitive bidding for films is the 
drive-in. 

Since theirs ' is considered a 
marginal operation by most of 
the majors, the majority oi the 
2S0-odd drive-fn operators in 
the country have found' it al- 
most impossible to obtain cur- 
rent product. Under the bidding 
system, however, all they must 
do is prove they're in direct 
competition with a regular the- 
atre and they get a chance to 
compete for product on the auc- 
tion block. . 

Most of the competition es- 
tablished has been with nabe 
and subsequent ' run hcuses, 
which doesn't give the drive-ins 
a chance for any first-run films. 
They're still much better ofE 
than previously, however, when 
the; best they could get were 
reissues or films a year or more 
old.- 



GoldwynBuysIn 
On Hub Showcase 



A substantial interest in the As- 
tor (formerly the Tremont) theatre 
in Boston has been acquired by 
Samuel Goldwyn, it was disclosed 
yesterday - (Tuesday). Goldwyn's 
Bishop's Wife" .will open there 
Christmas Day, as one of a series 
of pre-release engagements at ad- 
vanced admission price. 

Producer will be partnered with 
Don Jacocks and others in owner- 
ship of the Astor. the 1,365-seater 
has just been ; cbmpldtely renovated.. 
It gives Goldwyn his first financial 
interest in a theatre and will per- 
mit in Boston the same type of long- 
run pre-release engagement to 
build up national interest as the 
producer enjoys through arrange- 
ments with the Astor, N. V., and 
Woods, Ghicago.- 

James Mulvey, Goldwyn distribu- 
(Continued On page 18) 



House to Press Probe 
Oil Browne-Bioflf Aides 

Washington, Dec. 2. 

The House Committee on Ex- 
penditures in Executive Depart- 
ments will press its Investigation 
into the recent paroles, of Paul 
Ricca, ' Xjovdi . Campagnai Philip 
D'Andrea and Charles Gioe, Rep.* 
Clare Hoffman (R^, Mich.), commit- 
tee chairman) tpld the .House last 
Friday (28). 

The four were sentenced in -con- 
nection with the -Browne-Bioff ex- 
tortion of almost $1,000,000 from the 
industry. . Sentenced to 10 years, 
they were paroled on Aug. 13, after 
serving - 8: little -more - than three 
years apiece. 



Milwalkee, Dec. .2, 

National Allied States' opened on 
Monday (1) its three-day convention 
at the' Schroeder hotel with its big- 
gest siege guns trained on the .twin 
topics of increased admission scales? 
and ASCAF. 

After producers had been sub- 
jected to a severe raking, the ap- 
proximately 400 delegates endorsed 
Unanimously the .declaration of pol- 
icy on upped scales which the a's- - 
sociation's board of directors had 
adopted in Detroit six weeks previ- 
ous. Slated for airing at this after- 
noon's (Tuesday) meeting was the 
exhibitors' attitude toward Commu- 
nism, a topic which seems to have 
been added to the convention agenda 
at almost the last minute. 

Explanation given by masterminds 
of the convention for bringing up 
Communism is that members had re- 
ported they had been object of criti- 
cal comment from customers as a 
result of the recent Washington 
hearings. Exhibitors will be told 
from the platform to advise the 
public that all theatremen do is to 
play what producers give them and 
exhibitors cannot be responsible for 
what happens' in Hollywood. 

Keynote of the first, day's oratory 
was mainly "monopoly.!' : Distrib- 
utors were accused of - expanding 
their monopolistic methods of de- 
creasing the supply of pictures and 
increasing admission prices. ASCAP 
was likewise charged with having a 
monopoly on music used in pictures 
and, through. this monopoly,' "goug- 
ing" exhibitors via increased rates. 
After several oratorical blasts in 
which exhibs were urged to refuse 
to sign any more ASCAP contracts, 
convention tabled the subject until 
Wednesday (3), when the board will 
report on suggestion from Monday's 
floor tliat Allied units set up a joint 
sinking fund to protect individual 
> (Continued on page 22) 



OUT SOON! 



The 



42nd Anniversary Number 




Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates inevvll 

Special exploitation advantages 

Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety pff ice 



NCW YORK If 
1S4 W. ilMh ». 



HOLLYWOOD U 
«311 YaeeaSt. 



CHiCAOO 1 
tiO N. .MicMsoa Av*. 



LONDON, W. e. t 
tSt, Mwria'snm 
TrdfoHiar : 



NATl ALLIED'S DRIVE 
PARALLELS TOA MOVE 

Presaging a new battle for hegem- 
ony among exhib organizations, 
Kational Allied has launched a- mili- 
tant drive in several territories to 
pull uhaftiliated indie outfits undei^ 
its fold. Chief spur to Allied is fact 
that the Theatre Owners of America 
has also begun a organizational cam- 
paign along similar lines. 

.Initial objective for Allied is the 
Kansas and Missouri area, where an 
organizing committee has been set 
up to plug Allied's simon-pure indie 
structure' as against TOA's major 
circuit affiliations. Drive will cul- 
minate in aA organization convention 
in Kansas City, Dec. 16-17', where 
main agenda point will be alleged 
discrimination in film price charges 
a'^ainst non-affiliated circuit thea- 
tres. ' 

Allied currently has 17 independ- 
ent exhibitor organizations in vari- 
ous states linked to its kite,- Earlier 
this year it won over exhib* outfits 
in Iowa and Nebraska and orgaiii^ed 
indie theatre owners in West Vir- 
ginia. 



Big Ad Budget Condidon 
Of Trans-WB Distrib Deal 

Stipulation in the two-picture re/ 
lease pact made! a couple weeks , ago - 
with 'Warner Bros, by Alfred Hitch- 
cock-Sidney Bernstein' Transatlantic 
unit is that the distrib spend a total' 
of $1,000,000 for advertising-public- 
ity-exploitation of the films. Albert 
Margolies, pub-^ad chief for the indie 
outfit) heads for the Coast from New 
York late this week to confab on 
expenditure of the coin. - 

Both Hitchcock and Berstein are 
noted as showmen. Bernstein's Gran- - 
ada circuit in England, consisting of 
about SO houses, reportedly speitds 
more on advertising than any chain 
twice its size in that country. 

Overall budget for the initial pic, 
"Rope," will be $1,300,000. Second, 
"Under Capricorn," to be made in 
England' with Ingrid Bergman 
Starred, will be biidgeted at $2,500,- 
000. Fixat Starts Feb, 1 and second 
iSxyX. 



PierVBB GROSSBS 



Wednesday, I}eeeiii1ier S, 1947 



Turkey Day He^ LA, Hits ITwood; 
'Dol^' Eig id 'KenyoD* Bridk 6C 
Hagen' Fair 44a 'Bine DnlGsh 2SG 



Los Angeles, Dec. 2. #- 

Unusually strong weekend biz is 
'pepping up lirstnin outlook here to 
healthy figures. "Green Dolphin 
Street" is. sighting a fancy $69,000 
in three theatres after debut on 
Thanksgiving Day. Also healthy is 
"Daisy Kenyon" with $64,000 likely 
in lour houses. 

"Unconquered," playing at upped 
ficate in two spots, looks smash $49,« 
500. "Hagen Girl" and "Out of 
Blue" both are on light side. Latter 
probably will not be more than a 
dull $25,000 in four locations while 
"Hagep" is beading for fair $44,000 
in three spots. 

"Mitty" and "Body and Soul'^ 
both are still hefty, former being 
$45,000 in second frame for two 
lepots. "Body" is pointing for sturdy 
$40,000 or ' close in second round, 
four houses. "Where There's Life" 
teed oflf in Une shape in two Para* 
mount theatres last Sunday (30). 
EsMmates iot Thi< We«k 

Beltnotit (PWC) <1,532: 60-$I)— 
"Out of Blue" (EL) and ''Railroad- 
ed" (EL). Fair $4,500. Last week, 
"Love Proja Stranger" (EL) and 
"Philo VSkS's Secret" (EL), scant 
l?,600. 

Beverly «Uls Mustc Hall (G&S- 
Blumenfeld) (826; 65-$l) — "Body 
and Soul" (UA) (2d wk). Strong 
$8,000. Last week, great $8,400. 
, Csrthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 80- 

tl.50)— "Unconquered" (Par). Fancy 
20,000. Last week, ."Nightmare 
Alley'' (20th), slow $5,700. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 
eO-$l)— "D^isy Kenyon" (20th). 
Average $16,000. Last week, "Night- 
mare Alley" (20th) (2d wk— 6 days), 
slim $6,700. 

' Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$!)— 
"Exile"- (U) and "Crime Doctor's 
Gamble" (Col) (2d wk). Down to 
$2,500 in 5 days, 'Last week, below 
hopes at $5,900. 

Downtown (WC) (1,800; 60-$l)— 
"Hagen .Girl" (WB). Slow ;*17.<»0. 
Last week, "Each Dawn- I Die" 
(WB) and "Bad Men Missouri" 
(WB) (reissues) (2d Wk— 5 days), 

$10^00; 

. IMLwttUnmr Mttste Hall (Blumen- 
leld) .1(872; 6a>%l)-^"Body and Soul" 
CUA) Ud wk). Brisk $15,000. Last 
week,, solid $20,500 but not up to 
hopes. 

Egyptian (PWC) (1,538; 60-$l)— 
-*Gteen Dolphin Street" (M-G).: 
Fine $19;000. Last week. "This Time 
For Keeps" (M-G) (3d wfc-6 days), 
$6,600. 

El Bey (FWC) (861; 60.$1)— "Out 
of Blue" (EL) and : "Railroaded" 
(EL). Oke $5,000. Last week, "Love 
-From. Stranger" (EC) and Philo 
Vance's Secret" (EL), dull $3,600. 

Esqtiire (Rosener) (685; 85)— 
"Tawny Pipit" (U) (2d wk). Smooth 
$3,()Q0, Last week, sock $3,500. 

" ^om- Star ,(UA-WC) (900; 90-l$1.25) 
— '»tJfe With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
. Moving up to $6,000. Last week, fair 
$5,800. 

Guild (FWC) (868; 60'$!)— "JBxile" 
(U) and "Crime Doctor's Gamble" 
(Col) (2d wk). Near $3,500. Last 
week, fair $6,100. 

flawKil (G&SrBlumenfeld) (956; 
■60.?1)— '-Body and Soul" (UA) (2d; 
wk). Stout $10,000. Last week, $11,- 
700. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 60-$!)— 
"Hagen Girl" (WB). Slow $13,000 
or near. Last . week; "Each Dawn 
Die" (WB) and "Bad Men Missouri" 
(WB) (reissues) (2d wk-S days), 
$5,400. 

HoUywooA -Music Hall (Blumen-' 
feld) (4'?5; 60-85)— "Body and Soul" 
(UA) (2d wk). Bright $7,000. Last 
week, wow $7,600, although clipped 
by annual opening, of Santa (Jlaus 
Lane Nov. 26 as weare otb^r Holly- 
wood' boule houses. 

Iris (FWC) (828; 60-85)— "flxile" 
(U) (2d wk). Faif $3,000. Last week, 
:$6,000. 

. Laurel (Rosener) (880; 85)— "Shoe 
Shine" (Indie) (5th wk). Brisk $3.. 
500. Last week, $4,100. 

Loew State (Loew-WC) (2,404; 60- 
$1)— "Daisy Kenyon" (20th) and 
"Two Blondes, Redhead" (Col), 
Good $25,500. Last week, "Night- 
mare Alley" (20th) and "Roses Are 
Hed" {20th) (2d wk-6 days), $14,200. 

Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 
60-$l) — 'Green Dolphin Street" 
.(M-G). Giant $31,000. Last week, 
"For Keeps" (M-G) (2d wk-6 days), 
only $11,500. 

Loyola (FWC) (1,248; 60-$l) 
"Daisy Kenyon" (20th). Solid $10,- 
000. Last week, "Nightmare Alley" 
(20th) (2d wk-6 days), $5,100. 

Ma real (G«'.S) (900; 90-$1.20)- 
"Forever Amber" (20th) (2d wk). 
Down to $2,500. Last week, light 
$3,1P0. 

OrpheUm (D'tOwn-WC) (2,210: 60- 
$p_"Out of Blue" (EL) and "Rail, 
roaded" (EL). Slim $11,000. Last 
week, "Love From Stranger" (EL) 
and "Philo Vance's Secret" ' (EL), 
dull $9,000. 

Million Pollftr (D'town) (2,122; 55'^ 
88)— "Bowery Buckaroos" (Mono), 
with Bill Robinson, .others, on stage, 
Slow $15,000. Last week, "Hat Box 
Mystery" (SG) and "Case of Baby 
Sitter" <SO) with Jackie Roblnsoa^ 



Broadway Grosses 



Estimated Total Grosi 
This Week $797,000 

(Based 'on 24 theatres) 

last Year $831,000 

(Based on 18 theatres) 



'Ddphin' mm 

1Wl8&Plii|ly 

Philadelphia. Dec. 2; 
Thanksgiving Day crowds plus big 
week«nd becauseiOf Army-Navy grid 
throng is boosting biz here. Biggest 
entries are ''Green Dolphin Street" 
and "Fun and Fancy Free," with 
holdovers of "Body and Soul" and 
"This Time for Keeps" especially: 
strong. 

Estimates for This .Week 
Aidine (WB) {1.303; 50-94)— "Fun. 
Fancy Free" (RKO). Big $18000. 
Last week, "Frieda'J. (U). only J>7,500. 

Atcaai* (Sahfoslcy) (700; 80-94)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) (2d run)., 
Fair $5,000. Last week, "Desire Me" 
(M-G) (2d run), $4,700. 

Boyd (WB) (2,350: 50-94)— "Es- 
cape Me Never" (WB) (2d wk). 
Modest $18,500 after nice $25,000 
opener. 

Earle (WB) (2,760; 50-94)— "Bide 
Pink Horse" (U). Good $24,000. 
week. "Jezebel" (WB) (reissue) and 
"Vigilantes" (U). pale $14,000. 

Fox (20th) (2.250; 50-94)— "Night- 
mare AUey" {20th). Nice $25,000. 
Last week, 'Torever Amber" (20th) 
^(5th wk), fairish $13,W)0. 

Goldman (Goldman? (1,300; 50-94) 
—"This Time for Keens" (M-G) {2d 
wk). Solid $22,000 after husky $25,- 
000 last week. 

Kxrlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-94) 
—"Where ."There'!! Life" (Par) {2d 
wk). Neat $13,000 aftejr getting $17,- 
500 opener.- 

Keith's (Goldman) (1.300: 50-i94)— 
"To Shores of Trinoli" {20th) and 
"Springtime in Rockies" {20th) (re- 
issues). Oke $6,500. Last week, 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) {2d run), 
$8000 

Mi-stliaBm (WB) (4,360; 50-94)—" 
"Body and Soul", CUA) (3d wk); 
SoUd $28,000 after hig $3p.,$00 last 
Week. 

Stanley (WB) (2,950r 50-94)— 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Sock $39,000- Last week. "Hagen 
Girl" (WB) fZd.wk). $15,000. 

Stanton (WB) (1.475; 50-94)- "Tbp 
Gangster" (Mono). . Fine $15,000. 
Lfist week, "Merton of . Movies" 
(M-G) (2d wk), big $9,000. 



.Mabel Scott on stage, very weak 
$10,400. 

- Valkce (D'town) (2,000; 80-$1.20)— 
"Unconquered" (Par). Fancy $29,- 
500. Last week, subsequent*run. ' 

PsnUges (Fan) (2,812; 60-$l) — 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) and "Lone 
Wolf London" (Col) {2d wk). Sharp 
$24,000. Last week, bright $28,400. 

Fsr^unonnt (F&M) (3,398; 60-$l)— 
"Fabulous Texan" (Rep) and "Ex- 
posed" (Rep) (2d wk-3 days). 
Yanked after three days of second 
frame at $6,000, with "Where There's 
Life" (Par) replacing.- First week 
only $14,400. 

Faramount Hollywood (F&M) {1, 
451; 60-$l) — "Fabulous Texan 
(Rep) and "EjqKJsed" (Rep) (2d 
wk-3 days). Pulled -«fter three days 
at. $3,000 with "Where There's Life" 
(Par) coming in. First week, only 
$6,800. 

BKO Hilistteet (RKO) (2,890; GO- 
SO) — "Walter Mitty" (RKO) and 
"Lone Wolf London". (Co') {2d wk). 
Brisk $21,000. Last week, $27,300. 

EUz (FWC) (1,370; 60-$l)— "Exile" 
(U) (2d wk). About $5,000. Last 
week, thin at $8,500, below hopes. 

Studio City (FWC) (880; 60-$l) — 
"Exile" (U) (2d wkJ. Slow $3,000. 
Last week, light $6,100. 

Criited Artists (UA) {2,100; 60-$l) 
—"Exile" (U) and "Crime Doctor's 
Gamble" (Col) (2d wk). Fair $9,500, 
Last week, good $18,500. 

Uptown (PWC) (1.719; 60-$l) — 
"Daisy Kenyon" (20th) and "Two 
Blondes," Redhead" (Col). Robust 
$12,500. Last week, "Nightmare Al 
ley" (20th) and "Roses Are Red" 
(20th) (2d wk.-6 days), $5,800. 

VOffue (FWC) (885; 60..$1)— "Out 
of Blue" (EL) and "Railroaded" 
(EL). Thin $4,500. La-st week, "Gone 
With Wind" (M-G)" (rci.«ue) (2d 
wk), slow $3,200. 

Wilshire (FWC) . (2,296; 60-$l) — 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Hearty $19,000. Last week, "For 
Keeps" (M-G) {2d wfc-6 days), light 
$7,000. 

Wiltern (WB) {2,800; 60-$l) 
"Hagen Girl" (WB). -Slow $14,000. 
Last week, -'Each Dawn ■ Die" ( WB) 
and "Bad Men Missouri" (WB) (re- 
issues) tM wk-5'tLay£)^ $4,800. . 



'Fun' RoUBing $16,500, 

W Hot 17G 

Seattle, Dec. 2. 

"Fun, Fancy Free," at Orpheum, 
"Dolphin Street," at Music Hall, and 
"Where There's Life," at ParamOXmt, 
are standout here this week. 
Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) and "Big Fix" 
(EL) (muo.). Slow $3,500. Last week, 
5th of "Bobby-Soxet" (RKO), big 
$4' 200 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 90- 
$1.25)— "Amber" (20th) (2d wk). 
Good $11,000 after big $22,400 lafst 
week. , 

Liberty (J &.VH) (1,650; 45-80)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk), Fine 
$9,000. Last week, $10,800. 

Music Box (H-E) (800; 90-$1.25)— 
"Father" (WB) (4th wk). Good 
$7,500 following three big weeks at 
Oirphevm. I^st weeki "Nightmare 
Alley" Cidth) and "Key Witness" 
(Col), good enough $4,700 at 45-80c 
scale. 

Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 45-80)— 
"Green Dolphin St." (M-G). Huge 
$18,000. Last week, "Grapes" (20th) 
and "Tobacco Road" (20th) .(re- 
issues), $6,300. 

Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 45-80)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) and 
"Seven Keys Baldpate" (RKO). 
Great $16,500. Last week, "Father" 
(WB) (3d Wk-6 days), $9,600 at 90c- 
$1.25. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 45-80)— 
"Body and Soul" (UA) .(2d wk). Big 
$7,000 after great $9,600 last session. 

Paramount (H-E) (3X>39; 45-80)— 
'Where There's Life" (Par) and 
'Repeat Performance" (EL). Strong 
$17,000. Last week, "Wild Harvest" 
(Par) and "Big Fix" (BL) (2d wk), 
duU $5,800. 

Roosevelt (StcrUng) (800; 45-80)— 
"Roosevelt. Story" (UA) and 
"Along Oregon Trail" (Rep). Modest 
$4,000. Last week, "Hell's Angel" 
(SA) and "Scarf ace" (SA) ' * 



(2d wk), strong $5,300. 



(reissues) 



Bty'Gaiitm 
Best Om. Bci 



Cleveland, Dec. 2. 

Tommy Dorsey's band and "Two 
Blondes and -Redhead" are giving 
Palace a good play. Sock Ulmis are 
"Green Dolphin" at State and "Secret 
LUe Walter- Mitty" at Allen, 
: Estimates tox This Week 

Allen (RKO) (3,000; 55-70)-^" Wal- 
ter Mitty" (RKO). Great $30,000'. 
Last week, "Upturned Glass" (U), 
$9,000. ' 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 55-70) — 
"Escape Me Never" (WB). Thin 
$16,500. Last week, "Jezebel" (WB) 
and "Anthony Adverse" (WB) (re- 
issues), $15,600. 

Lake (Warners) (800; 59-70)— 
"Jezehrf" <WB) and "Anthony Ad- 
verse" (WB) {reissues): Moveovers 
oke $3,500. Last week. "Had to Be 
You" (Col) (m.0.), $3,800. 

Ohio (Loew's) (1,200; 55-70)— 
"Body and Soul" (JIA) (m-o,). Trun 
$8,500, following fine $8,000 for sec- 
ond stanza downto-wn. 
. Palace (RKO) (3.000; 65-91 )— "Two 
BlondeSj^Redhead" (Col) plus Tommy 
Dorsey ^rch- on stage. Brisk $37,000. 
Last week. "Ride Pink Horse" (U), 
thin $14,500. 

Stote (Loew's) (3,450; 55-70)— 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Fancy $30,000- Last week, "Where 
There's LlffeT (Par), satisfactory 
$18,500. 

Stillnwn (Loew's) (2,700; 55-70)— 
•!Where There's Life" (Par) (m.o.). 
Pleasing $9,000. Last week, "Un- 
finished Dance" (M-G), $7,000. 

loye'-Maxwell StoHt 
{32,000, Wash. Leader 

Washington, Dec. 2. 

Holiday weekend has given town's 
mid-sector a badly needed shot in 
the arm, with b.o. in most firstrun 
situations well over recent weeks. 
"Song of Love" at Capitol, hypoed 
by stageshow headed by Marilyn 
Maxwell, looks to get top coin. "Wal- 
ter Mitty" at. Keith's shapes great to 
be standout film. 

Estimates for 'Tliis Week 

Capitol (Loew's) (2,434; 44-80)— 
"Song of liove" (M-G) plus vaude. 
Stout >$32,000, real increase over 
last year's Thanksgiving biz. Last 
week, "Lost Moment" (U) with 
vaude, better than exnected $19,(100. 

Columbia (Loew's) (1,263: 44-70)— 
"Drums Along Mohawk" (M-G) (re- 
issue). -Nice $8,000. Last week, "For- 
ever Amber" (Soth) (2d run), thin 
$8,000 at advanced scale. 

Keith's (RKO) (1.838: 44-80)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO). Fine $21,000. 
Last week, "Fun. Fancy Free" 
(RKO) {2d wk). $10,000. 

Metropolitan (WB) a.W?.: 44-70)— 
"Bscane Me Never" (WB) (in o ) 
So-so $7,000. La't. week, "Last of 
Reflmen" (Col), $7,500. 

Palace (Loew's) {«.370: 44-74)-).^ 
"Green Dolnhin Street" (M-G). Sock 
$27,000. Last week. "Pcriv .-ind" Soul" 
(UA) (2d wk). nice $16,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,154; 44-74)— 
"Hpfen Girl" (WB). Dw-npoointinK 
*^ 8.000 for holiday weptr. La.st week. 
"Escape Never" (tTO), $1S,000. 



Monroe Us Wmi Socb MMO, 
Hub;l)olpliiii'42GiDllitty'31G 



Kef % (drosses 



Eslimateil Total firoav 

Th's Week " $3,577,M0 

(Based o?i 2a Citie$, 230 tliea- 

tres, chiefly first runs, mcitidino 

N. y.) 

Tot;<> Gross Same Week 
Tsst Year $3,68.'i,M« 

(Based on 22 cttic.<! 200 theatres) 



BoiphiD' ^ ISG. 
In^; life' 14G 

Indianapolis; Dec. 2. 

Turkey Day gave deluxers here 
a boost toward their best grosses in 
several weeks. "Green Dolphin: 
Street" looks big enough to -hold at 
Loew's. "Where There's Life" at 
Indiana and "Hagen Girl" at Circle 
also are above average. 

Estinwtca for This Week 

Circle (Gamble-DoUe) (2,800; 40- 
60)— "Hagen Girl" (WB) and "Gas 
House KMs Hollywood" (EL). Oke 
$11,000. Last week; "Unsuspected" 
(WB) and '.'Blonde Savage'*^ (EL), 
$9,000. 

Indiana (Gamble-Dolle) (3,300; 40- 
60)— "Where There's liife" (Par). 
Nice $14,000. Last week. "Wild Har- 
vest?' (Par), mild $11,000. 

KeioAi (Gamble-Dolle) (1.300;' 40- 
60)— "Drums Along Mohawk" (20th) 
and "Mark of -Zorro" (20th) (re- 
issues). Oke $5,500. Last week, "Des- 
try Rides Again" (U) and "When 
Daltons Rode" (U) (reissues), $4,500. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 40-60)— 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Hefty $18,000. Last Week. "Hwband's 
Affairs" (Col) and "The Women" 
(M-G) (reissue), modest $11,000. 

Lyric (Gamble-Dolle) (1,600; 40- 
60>— "Red Stallion" (EL). "Fine 
$7,000. Last week, "Gangster" 
(Mono) and "Knockout" (Mono), 
$6,000. 



SL Loo Bat 'DolphiB' 
Sock 25G, 'Earth' 206 

St. Louis, Dec. 2. 
Xmas shopping' splurge has gotten 
under way in big style here' and the 
deluxers are feeling the slump in 
biz most Currently there is one ex- 
ception, "Green Dolphin Street," 
hefty at Loews. "Where There's 
Life" is shooting for runnerup spot 
but not big. at the Fox. "Dbwn To 
Earth" looks fancy at the Ambassa- 
dor., 

Estiuates for This Week 

Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) 
—"Down To Earth" (Col)' and 
"Crime Doctor's"" Gamble" (Col). 
Fahcy $20,000. Last week, "Walter 
Mitty" (RKO) and "Key Witness'* 
(Col). (2d wk), nice $15,000. 

Art (S'Renco) (115; 85)— "Colonel 
Blimp" (UA). Good $700. Last week, 
"Stairway To Heaven" (U) (4th 
wk), nice> $450. 

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-75) — 
"Where There's Life" (Par) and 
"Big Town After Dark" (Par), trim 
$22,000. ' Last .wed^ "Fun, Fancy 
Free" (RKO) and "Old Spanish 
Trail" (Rep),' same. 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75) — 
•Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Sock $25,000. Last week, "Pirates of 
(Continued on page 20) ' 

W Smash 13G, Omaha 

, Omaha, Dec. 2. 

Perfect show weather and to-wn 
Jammed with visitors adds up to 
four weekend days of big business. 
Where There's Life" at Orpheum is 
leader and looks smash. "Green 
Dolphin Street" is di-awing well at 
Paramount. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (2d wk). Big 
$7,500. Last week, sma-sh $10,000. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65)— 
"Spirit We.st Point" (FC) and "Fun 
on Weekend" (UA). Surprisingly 
good $10,500; maybe more. Last 
week, "Burning Cross" (SG) and 
"High Conquest" (Mono), $10,000 

Qrphenm (Tristates) (3,000; 16-65) 
—"Where There's Life" (Par) and 
Island" (Par). Smash 
$13,000 or over. .Last week, "Moss 
Rose" (2Qth) and Tony Pastor orch 
on stage, fine $18,500. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 
65)— '!Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Fme $12,000. Last weclc, "Unsus- 
pected" (WB), good $10,700. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 16-65)— 
"Song of Love" (M-G). Great 
notices but only fair $4,500. La-st 
Valley" (aoth). 



>' Boston,' Dec. 20. 

Holiday momentum carrying film 
spots into big takes this week with 
Vaughn Monroe hand plus "Killer 
at Large" wow -at the RKO Boston. 
"Walter Mitty" looks huge at the 
Meraoriil. , "Greea Dolphin Street" 
will get top coin at the State and 
Orpheum. "Where There's Life," at 
the Met, Shapes socko. 

Estimates for This Week , 

Astor (Jaycocks) (1,400; 40-80)-^ 
"Fugitive" (RKO) (4lh wk). Bu.si- 
ness way otT on prolonged holdover 
at $4,600 after so-so $8,000 in last 
.session.' ''■■ ■ " 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10)— 
"Killer at Large" (EL) plus Vaughn 
Monroe orch, others, on stage. Sock 
$40,000, is biggest here, in a long 
time. Last week, "Black Gold" 
(Mono) plus Betty Bruce, Steve 
Evans, other, on stage, $28,000. 
X Exeter (Indie) (1,000; 40-65)— 
"Frieda" (U) and "Met on Skis" 
(Indie). Great $6,000 for class nabe 
house. Last week, ' subsequent run, 

Fenway (M-P) (1.373; 40-80)— 
"Hagen Girl" (WB) and "Railroad- 
ed" (EL). 9oUtuie $9,500. Last 
week, "Fabulovs Texan" (Rep) and 
"Bury iSe Dead" (B!L), $6,500. . 

Ken more (Indie) (800; $1.10)— 
'Henry V" (UA) (2d wk). Big $4,000 
after $6,000 for first. 

MemorUl (RKO) (2,085; 40-80)-~ 
"Mitty" (RKO). Second Vfeeik be- 
gins today (Tues.) after smash $31,- 
000 first week. In ahead, second 
week of "Exile" (0) and "Gene- 
vieve" (Col) (2d wk), $22,«00. 

Metropolttsn (M-P) <«,367; 40-80) 
—"Where There's Life" (Par) and 
"Adventure Island" (Par). Great 
$30,000. Last week, "Escape Me 
Never" (WB) and "Return Hin Tin 
Tin" (Indie), $22,000. 

Modern (M-P) (900; 75-$1.20)— 
"Forever Amber" (20th) (3d wk). 
Fifth week in town-, way off to $10,- 
000 after $15,000 for last. Does not 
play Sundays. 

Orpkenni (Loew) (3,000; 40-80)— 
"Green Dolphia Street" (M-G). 
Powerful'$^000. Last week, "Body 
and Soul" (TTA) and "Crime Doctor's 
Gamble" (Col)- (Sd wk-3 days) 
$10,000. 

Par«mount (M-P) (1,700; 40-80)— 
"Hagen Girl" (WB) and "Rail- 
roaded" (EL). Average $16,000. 
Last week, "Fabulous Texan" (Kep) 
and "Bury Me Dead" (EL), $15,000. 

State (Loew) (3,g00; 40-80) — 
"Green Dolphin St." (M-G). Very 
nice $14,000. Last week, "Body and 
Soyl" (UA) and> "Critne Doctor's 
Gamble" (Col) (3d wk-3 days), 
$5,000. • 

Translnx (Translux) (900; 30'74)-^ 
"Fallen Angel" (20th) and "Black 
Swan" (20th) (reissues). Usual $5,- 
ppo. Last week, "Man Couldn't 
Hang" (U) and "Man. Nine Lives" 
(U) (reissues), $6,000, 



In Pitt, Bows to Qergy; 
Tun' Fancy Witk $17,000 

Pittsburgh, Dec. 2. 

Trio of. smash hits for holiday 
week, but rest of field is just so-so. 
Top sensation Is "The Outlaw" at 
Fulton but picture's coming out after 
one week due to church prcs.sure 
after breaking house's all-time 
record. Other two sockeroos '^are 
"Green Dolphin Street" at Penn and 
"Fun and Fancy. Free" at Warner, 
both of which are holding. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fulton (Shea) <1.700; 40-70)— "The 
Outlaw" (UA). Terrific $24,000 to 
break all existing house record^. 
Comes out, however, after single 
week because of big church pressure. 
Last week, "Bhick Gold" (Mono), 4 
days, $4,000. 

Harris (Harris) (2.200; 40-70)— 
"Had to Be You" (Col). Looks aver- 
age $13,500. Last Week, second of 
Nightmare Alley" (20th), $7,000 in 
4 days. 

Penn (Loew'g,UA) (3,300; 40-70)— 
'Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Sock $25,500, and likely holds. Last 
week, second of "Body and Soul" 
(UA), $15,000. 

Bits (Loew's) (800; 40-70)— "Body 
and Soul" /UA) (m.o.).* Still strong 
at $4,000, and may stick. Last week, 
"Tobacco Road" (20th) and "Grapes 
of Wrath" (20th) (reissues), $3,500. 

Senator (Harris) {1,750; 40-70)— 
'Nightmare Alley" (20th) (m.o.). 
Okay $3,500. Last week, "Green My 
Valley" (20th) (reissue) and "Sec- 
ond Chance" (20th), pulled after 4 
days ait $1,500. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800: 4fl-70)— 
'Escape Me Never" (WB). Slim 
$14,000, very dull for holiday session. 
Last week, "Copacabana" (UA), 
$12,500. 

JVarner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— 
Fun. Fancy Free" (RKO). Big 
$17;000, and naturally sticks. Last 
week, "Whge There's JMt" (Par) 
im.o.)^ fv,000, ■ 



WvAom^myf December .3» I94if 



PICTI7BE ISIIOSSCS 



Oh Miz Bops Kz But tsk' Fme 
$27,()(IO;'(3ass'15a'Hageii''Fair2()G 



Chicago, Dec. 2. - 
Snow storms last week and a 
weekend cold wave «re putting 
grosses in the depths this session. 
Holdovers will talse a beating, and 
in most cases new entries didn't fare 
too well either.. . Best of the now 
films loolts lilto "The Exile" at Pal- 
ace, which should do nifty $27,000, 
"That Hagen Girl" at the Roose- 
velt promises a moderate $20,000. 
"Upturned Glass" has a neat $15,000 
in sight at the amall-seater Garrick. 

■ Outside of "Gentlemen's Agree- 
nient," advanced price pictures are 
folding this week. "Where There's 
Lite," at the Chicago, with Hose 
Marie and the Harvest Moon I'cs- 
tival winners on stage, promises to 
top the field with passably good 
$50,000 for second week. "Body and 
Soul" has a potiint $25,000 in view 
for fourth frame at the Woods, 
"Gentlemen's Agreement," at the 
Apollo, should do. equally well. 

"Forever Amber," at the State- 
Lalte seems set for a profitable last 
week at $20,000 for sixth session. 

■ ^ nconquered" at United Artists 
shapes as neat $20,000 for seventh 

'"fOUAd. ' 

"Pirates of Monterey" has a 
moderate ;$17,500 in view for its 
second irame at the Grand. 
Unfitimatniot This Week 

Apouo (Baac) (1,400; $1.25)— 

"Getitleman's Agreement" (20th) 
(Sd Wk). Firm $25,000. liBSt week, 
$10,000; 

«tai«c* (B&K) (3,900; 05)— 
"Where There's JLife" (Par) 2d wk) 
.With Bose Marie, others, on stage 
.(2d wk). Good 1^0,000. Last week, 
$'^? 000 

^GsTriek (BStK) (900; 95)— "Up- 
tuined Glass" (U).- Trim $15,000. 
Last week,. "Gone With Wind" 
(M-G) (reissue) (5th wk), good 
$ll;000. • 

;»Miid (RKO) (1,500; 95>— "Pi- 
rates of Monterey" (U) (2d wlc). 
Moderate $17,500. Last week, 
$20,000. 

erlental (Ess^ness) (3.400; 95)— 
"Heaven Only Knows" (UA) with 
Red Ingle and Jacli Smith in per- 
son. (2d wk). Thin $32,000. Last 
week, $38,000. 

rataoe (RKO) (2,500; 95)— "Exile" 
(D ). Fine $27,000. Last week, "Lost 
Moment" (U), $20,000. 

KUtlto (Indie) (1,700; 95)— "Abie's 
Irish Hose" (UA) and "Fabulous 
Dorsey" (UA). Thin ^HfiOO. Last 
wcelt, "Grapes of Wrath" (20th) and 
"Tobacco Road" (20th> (reissues) 
(2d wk), $12,500. 

Bootevelt (B&K) (1,500; 95)— 
"Hagen Girl" (WB). Okay $20,000. 
Last week, "Dark Passage" (WB) 
(4th wk), $12,000. 

Stote-Lake (B&K) (2,700; ^1.25)— 
"Forever Amber" (20th) (6th wk). 
Healthy $20,000. Last week, $27,000. 

VtOtei ArOtU (1,700; $1.25)— "Un- 
conquered" (Par) (7th wk). Neat 
$20,000. Last week, $25,000. 

W»o«i (Essaness) (1*073; 95)— 
"Body and Soul" (UA) (4th wk). 
Fancy ^5,000. Last week, "$31,000. 

World (Indie) (587; 75)— "May- 
erling" (indie) (2d wk). Average 
, X.ast week, £ame. 



Grosses Are Net i 

Film gi'oss estimates^ as re- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, ore net, i.e., with- 
out Ui9 20% tax. Distributor! 
share on net take, when playing 
percentage, hence the estimated 
figures are net income. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, bowever, as indi^ ' ^d. in- 
clude t.hp U.S amusement tax 



lidow' Huge 16G, 

Cincinnati; Dec. 2. 

Downtown biz is on the holiday 
bounce this session. A splurge of 
five new bills, two hefty Aoldovers, 
and Thanksgiving Day padding are 
combining to overcome pre- Yule 
shopping. "Where There's Lite" is 
edfiinfi out "Green Dolphin Street" 
but latter is in the smaller Cupitol. 
"Wistful Widow" also is big. "Spirit 
of West Point" also is a elicit. 
"Escape Me Never" is fairLsh. 
Estimates for ThU Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-75)— 
"Where There's Life" (Par). Hotsy 
$19,000. Last week, "Walter Mitty" 
(RKO) (2d wk), pleasing $12,500. 

Capital (RKO) (2.000; 50-75)— 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). Sock 
$18,000. Holds. Last week, "This 
Time for Keeus" (M-G) (2d Wk), 
moderate $7,000. 

Grand (RKO) (1,400: 50-75)— 
"Wistful Widow" (U). WoW $16,000. 
Last week. "Merton of Movies" 
(M-G). $11,000. ; 

Keith's (CI) (1,542; 50-75).— "Body 
and Soul" (UA) (2d wk). G*eat 
$14,500 trailing gigantic $10,000 
opener. ; Stays indef. 

Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 50-75)— "Spirit 
West Point" (FC) and "Adventure 
Island" (Par). Swell $7,000. Last 
week, "Unsuspected" (WB) (m.O;), 
$4,i)00. 

Palace (RKO) (2;600: 50-7i5)— 
"Escape Me Never" (WB), Fairish 
$11,000. Last week, "Exile" (U), 
$11,500. 

Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 50-75)— 
"Wplter Mitty" (RKO) (m.o.). Robust 
$8,000. Last week, "Hagen Girl" 
(WB) (m.o.), mild $4,500. 



Fiiscv; Tasf-Mttchum 
3l€,W-fieDeke25G 

San Francisco, Dec. 2. 

"Green Dolphin Street" anpears 
standout currently at Warfleld but 
''Body and Soul" playing United 
Artists is comparatively about as 
big. "Out of Past" with vaude headed 
by Robert Mitchum is in for nice; 
session at Gold«j Gate. "Whispering 
City" with Tex Beneke band is giv- 
ing the Paramount a solid week, 
I Estimates (or This Week 
' Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 65- 
$1.00)— "Out of Past" (RKO) plus 
vaude headed by Robert Mitchum. 
Nice $31,000. Last week, "Bride 
Frankenstein" (U) and "Son of 
Fianken.stein" l20th) (rcissue.s) 
plus vaude headed by Larry Storch, 
colorless .$16,500. 

Fox (FWC) (4.651; 60-95)— "Night- 
mare Alley" (20th). Oke $20,000. La.st 
week. "This Time For Keeps" (M-G) 
(2d wk), $11,500 in 6 days. 

Warfield (FWC) (3,656; 60-85)— 
'■Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Sock ,*32.000. Last week, "Hagen 
Girl" (WB) (2d wk), dull $7,500. 

Paramount (Par) (2.646; 65-95)— 
'Whispering City" (EL) plus Tex 
Benoke orch, Nice $25,000. La.st 
week, "Where lliere's Life" (Par) 
(2d wk), hot $21,500 at regular scale. 

St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 90-$1.20> 
— "Unconauored" (Par) (4th wki. 
Gkav $20,000. Last week, heft.v 
$2.1000. 

United 'Artists (Blumenfeld) (1.207; 
55-85 )~"B()dy and Soul" (UA) 
Stroue Si 0.000, Last week. "Christ- 
mas Evo" (UA) (3d wk), i67,00O, 

S*aEi>ii«oi- fAf'kM'man) (3.W GO-SS) , - ^ „ 

—"Henry V" (UA). Trim "".OOO or ,; this champ. Still powerful at $3,000. 
near. Last week. "Know W'lere I'm [ Last week, "Great Expectations" (U) 
XContinued on page 20) i (Jrt wk). good $2,500. 



'Unconquerd^ W«w21G, 
lilty'ifot20G,m'18G 

Minneapolis, Dec, 2. . 
Grabbing hard for the Thanksgiv- 
ing holiday trade and apparently 
succeeding in reversing the down- 
ward trend, temporarily at least, a 
formidable picture- lineup is restor- 
ing managerial smiles currently. 
"Where There's Life," "Walter Mit- 
ty" and "Wistful Widow" look best 
pop grossers. The roadshow date of 
"Unconquered" is heading lor road- 
show house xecord. 

EsUnwtea for This Week 
Aster (Par) (900; 30-44)— "Mar- 
auders" (UA) and "Gas House Kids 
Hollywood" (EL). Okay $1,- 
800 in S days. Last week, "Bulldog 
Drummond Strikes" (Col) and 
"BletpkmaU" (Sep), $1,600 in 3 days. 

Ceotary (Par) (1,600; 76-$1.20)— 
"Unconquered" (Par). Colossal $21,- 
000, «nd hew roadshow record here. 
Last week, "Foxes of Harrow" 
(20th) (2d wk), good $7,000. 

Gopher (Par) (1,000; 44)— "Return 
Bin Tin Tin" (EL). Moderate $3,500. 
Last week, "Black Cat" (Indie) and 
"Black Friday" (Indie) (reissues), 
$4,300. 

Lvoeum (Murray) (1,700; 50-70)— 
"Grapes of Wrath" (20th) and "To- 
bacco Road" (20th) (reissues). Prof- 
itable $7,000. Last week. "Gone With 
Wind" (M-G) (reissue) (5th wk-3 
days), good $4,000, 

Lvric (Par) (1,000: 50-70)— "Body 
and Soul" (UA) (ni.o,). Here after 
big- State fortnight. Still virile at 
$7,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th) (4th Wk), same. 

Radio City (Par) (4,400; 50-70)— 
"Where There's Life" (Par), Bob 
Hope top magnet in this town. Fast 
$18,000 br near. Last week, "Song of 
Love" (M-G), $15,000, 

BKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 50- 
70)— "Walter Mitty" (RKO). Huge 
$20,000. Last week, "The Exile" (U), 
good $11,000. 

RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— 
"Wistful Widow" (U). Well-Iiked 
picture. Reaching for sock $10,500 or 
over. Last week, "Bride of Franken- 
stein" (FC) and "Son Frankenstein" 
(FC) (reissues), $7,000. 

State (Par) (2,:M0; 50-70)— "Unfin- 
ished Dance" (M-G). Oke $10,000. 
Last week, "Body and Soul" (UA) 
(2d wk), brisk $10,,500. 

world (Mann) <.350: .50-70)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (m,o,). 
Fourth loop stand and fifth week for 

. .,. „ ciiiii ..4^ *9 nnn 



W Bri^t $22,000 
Buff.; W Lusty 17G 

• Buffalo, Dec. 2. 
Leaders of eurirent solid week are 
"Where There's 'Life," "This Time 
■for Keeps," and "Fun and Fancy 
Free." 

Eiitimiites for This Week 

Buflalo (Shea ) (3,500; 40-70)— 
"Where There's Life" (Par) arid "Ad- 
venture Island" (Par).. Strong $22,- 
000. Last week, "Body and Soul" 
(UA) and "Winter Wonderland" 
(Rep) (2d wk), $14,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3.400; 40-70) 
—"This Time for Keeps" (M-G). 
Nice $20i000. Last week, "Green 
Dolphin Street" (M-G) (2d wk), 
fancy $16,000, 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 40-70)— "Green 
Dolphin St." (M-G) (m.o.). Neat 
$10,500. Last week, "Anthony Ad- 
verse" (WB) and "Jezebel" (WB) 
(reissue.s), $6,500, 

Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— 
"Ride-Pink Horse" (U) and "Blondie 
in Dough" (Col). Mild $12,000. Last 
week, "Lost Moment" (U) and "When 
Girl's Beautiful" (U), $12,500. 

Teck (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)— "Body 
and Soul" (UA) and "Winter Won- 
derland" (Rep) (m.o,). Trim $3,500. 
liast week, "Sundown" (UA> 
"The Kansan" (UA) (reissues), 
$4,000. 

SOth Century (20th Cent) (3,000; 
40-70)— "Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) 
and "Bowery Buckaroos'' (Mono). 
Lofty $17,000 or near. Last week, 
"Out of Blue" (EL) and "Railroaded" 
(£L), $10,500. 

life'TerrifSSG 
Paces Forte Det 

Detroit, Dec. 2. ' 
Thanksgiving holiday crowds are 
boasting firstruns this week, «ven 
some holdovers doing better busi- 
ness instead of slipping. Only big 
important new entry, "Wliere There's 
Life" is great at Michigan. "Body 
and Soul" looks big in second week 
at Palms. 

Estimates for Thi.s Week 
Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) -(6th wk). 
Nice $11,000. Last week, $11,000. 

JBroadway-Ca.pltol (United Detroit) 
(3,309; 70-95)— "Anthony Adverse" 
(WB) and "Jezebea" (WB) (Reissues). 
Modest $15,000. Last week, "Christ- 
mas Eve". (UA), $14,000. 

einema (Marten) (250; 60-90)— 
"Scarlet Pimpernel" (Indie) and 
"Return Scarlet Pimpernel" (Indie) I 
(reissues). Fine $2,200. Last week, 
"Happened at Inn" (M-G), $2,000. 

Oojiaitown (Balaban) (2,683; 70- 
95)— "Desire Me"" (M-G) and "Spirit 
West Point" (FC) (2d wk). Fair 
$10,000. Last week, $11,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,100; 70-95) 
—"Nightmare Alley" (20th). Good 
^27,000. Last week, "Exile" (U),: 
$24,000. 

Michigan (U-D) (4.039; 70-95)— 
"Where There's Life" (Par) and 
"Adventure Island" (Par). Terrific 
$38;000. Last Week, "Time for Keeps" 
(M-G) (2d Wk),, solid $18,000. 

Palms (U-D) (2,976; 70-95)— "Body 
and Soul" (UA) (2d wk). Stout 
$19,000. Last week, big $26,000. 

United Artists (U-D) (2,976; 80- 
$1.20)— "Unconquered" (Par) (5th 
wk>. Strong $18,000. Last week, 
$17,000. 

Vol^' iHdi 116,000, 
I'TiBi; Toxes' Nice 14G 



Hiaiffisgiving Tdts N.Y.; Tank' M, 
'Nickleby lOG^New I^; 'Stranp'' 
Sturdy at 23G, fid Rraang M 

Usual Thanksgiving Day holiday (5) holding up strongly at $47,500, 



Louisville, Dec, 2. 

Christmas shopping is taking the 
play away from the downtown 
houses this week. "Green Dolphin 
Street" at the State looks to garner 
top coin, with "Foxes of Harrow" 
running a second at the Hialto. 
"Golden Earrings" at Strand is 
shaping as bright. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brown (Fourth .Avenue) (1.200; 
40-60)— "Wliere There's Life" (Par) 
(m.o.). Moderate $4,000. Last week, 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (m.o.), $3,000. 

Kentucky (SwitoW) (1,200; 30-40) 
—'Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Tarzan and Huntress" (RKO) 
Neat $3,500. Last week, "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) and "Desire Me" 
(M-G), same. 

Mary Anderson (People's) (1.100; 
40-60)— "Escape Me Never" (WB). 
Mild $8,000, Last Week, "Each Dawn 
I Die" (WB) (reissue) (2d Wk), 
$4,500, 

National (Standard) (2,400; 60-80) 
—"Hal "Roach Comedy Carnival" 
(UA). Fairi.sh $7,000. Last week, 
"Dragnet" (FC> and stage show 
headed by Clyde McCoy orch, solid 
$17,000. 

Bialto (FA^ (3.400; 40-601— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th), Nice $14,000. Last 
week, "Where There's Life" (Par), 
solid $16,000. 

State (Loew's) (.S.OOO; 40-60)— 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). Aim- 
ing at town's top gross at sturdy 
Sil 6.000 and mfbbe more. La.st week. 
"PiVo pjTiv Horsp" (Ut and "Two 
Blondes, Redhead" (Col). $13,000, 

Strand (FA) (1,400; 40-RO)— 
"Golden Earrings" (Par). Big SO 000. 
and holds. Last week. "Gfepn Was 
Valley" (20th) and "Rwamp Watei-'' 
(20th} (reissues), $5,S00. 



upbeat, which was helped by the 
launching of 10 new biUsi, is giving 
Broadway a strong tone this session. 
While Turkey Day matinee started a 
bit backwardly, business built at 
night and the- week's overall total 
was bolstered by strong weekend 
trade. Fact that ihere were so many 
new lineups of product lifted grosses 
from recent doldrums. 

Besides some hefty grosses -turned, 
in by many ,of new pictures, the 
Rialto and Little Ca'rnegieare boast- 
ing new house records. Bandbox 
Rialto, launching its new for'eign- 
language policy with greatly upped 
scale, is soaring to "new peaS of 
$20,000 with "Panic," French-made 
meller. Carnegie has a new high of 
$10,000 or over /with "Nicholas 
Nickleby." 

"Out -of Past" is placing the Palace 
back in the chips again, with big 
$38,000 for first week 'ended last 
Monday' (1) night. Rox- is a big dis- 
aoDOintment with its new layout of 
"Thunder in Valley" and Dan Dailey, 
Harrison and Fisher heading stage-* 
show," Looks only very thin $65,000, 
and theatre likely will hold only a 
.Second week. "Love From Stranger" 
shapes very ^ood $23,000 at Victoria, 
while "Bed Stallion" is giving the 
Gotham a strong $17,500. "Stallion" 
was made to order for youngstersi 
out of school for tiolidays. . ■ 

Reissue combo of "Anthony Ad-' 
verse" and "Jezebel" shapes as lively 
$38,000 at Strand, sans stageshow.' 
Park Avenue is getting only $6,000 
on first -week of "Bush Christmas." 
Bijtu, with its secund loreign-made, 
"Revenge," looks thin $6,080, while 
"Chri-stmas Eye" also is sad at WOO 
at -Broadway. Ambassador now is, 
in its 10th week With "My Father's 
Hou.se" and continuing steady with 
$8^000 in view for current stanza.i 
House is being sold out in advance! 
to diiferent groups; ninitb present in- 
tention of continuing with this film 
until Cliristmas. 

Thanksgiving upbeat is pushing 
the' Music Hall to $125,000, fine for; 
fourth week of "Cass Timberlane," 
.after $108,000 for the third. Hall 
opens its Cliristmas show, "Good 
News," and "Nativity" pageant on 
stage, tomorrow (Thurs.). Same up- 
swing is carrying Frank Sinatra, 
who heads stageshow, and "Hus- 
band's Aifaurs*'^ to near $79,000 at: 
Capitol on third week. This is 
easily the biggest session ' ol run, 
and compares with $65,000 done m 
second. Cap brings in "This Time 
For Keeps,^' with Paul Whiteman 
band heading stageshow, tomorrow; 
(Thurs.^. 

Same holiday conditmns also, 
pushed "Green Dolphin Street" up 
to $34,000 for seventh Tound at thei 
Criterion. "Mourning Becomes Elec- 
tra" continues nicely in second ses- 
sion at the Golden with $12,000 
likely. Paramount launches "Golden 
Earrings" with BUly De Wolfe, Bay 
McKinley band, Frankie . Lalne 
heading stagebill today (Wed.). 

"Wuttful Widow," in second week 
at State, with new vaude lineup 
headed by- .Jackie Gleaspn, Bob 
Howard and Betty Reilly, is climbing 
to iancy $34,000 currently. This 
beats the opening week figure Jor 
"Widow." Winter Garden brmgs in 
"Captain Boycott" Friday (5), alteri 
two mild weeks of "Lost Moment.": 
E*tlni%tes lor Tbla Week 
AmbstMilMr (Siritaky) (1,200; ?0-i 
$1.50)— "My S^ther's House" (Indie) 
(10th wk). Holdmg up in steady 
fashion at $8,000, very good; 9th 
week was $B;500. Stays on until 
Christmas. 

Aster (City Inv.) (1,300; -80-$1.80) 
—"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (Ifith wk). 
Perking up to fancy $26,000 after 
$22,000 for 15th star&a. "Bishop's 
Wife" (RKO) opeiis'here next Tues 
day (9). 

Bijou (City Inv.) (650; 85-$1.50)— 
"Revenge" (Indie). Second ioreign- 
language film to play here, this is. 
disappointing at, thin $6,000, but; 
holds. Last week, "Manv About^ 
Town" (HKO), $4,800 in final «ix 
days of fifth week. 

Broadway (UA) (1,895; 70-$1.500— ^ 
"Christmas Eve" (UA). Again prov- 
ing how tough it is tor any picture 
to click here. Looks very sad $6,000 
or less. Last week, "Heaven Only 
Knows" (UA), merely $6,200; first 
was slow $12,000. • 

Capitol (Loew'£) (4,820; 70-$1.50) 
— "Husband's Affairs" (Col) with. 
Frank Sinatta heading stageshov? 
(Sd-flnal wk). Looks like final week; 
of disappointing .engagement for 
Sinatra will be his .best at big $79,- 
000 or near, after $65,000 for second. 
"This Time For Keeps" (M-G) with 
Paul Whiteman oi-ch, Marilyn Max- 
well. Gene Sheldon heading stage- 
show, opens tomorrow (Thurs.). 

Criterion (LoeW'S) (1,700; 60- 
$1.25) — "Green Dolphin Street" 
(M-G) (Btfi wk). Seventh round 
ended last (Tues.) night was fancy 
$34,000 after $26,000 for sixth. 
Stays on. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70t$1.20)- 
"Body and Soul" (UA) (4th. wk) 
Fourth frame ending next Friday 



"after $50^500 in third. Continues 
indef. 

Golden (BKC) (769; $1.20-$2.40)— 
"Mourning Becomes Electra" (RKO) 
(2d wk). Doing comparatively well 
in view of offish matinees, with 
$12,000 likely after fine $15,000 
opener. Holds. - 

GothMi (Brandt) (900; 70-;i.40)— 
"Red Stallion" (EL). Jn first stanza 
ending tor;ay (Wed.) looks to hit 
strong $17,500 after excellent bally 
on Broadway, Last week, "Butch 
Minds Baby" (Indie) and "Tight 
Shoes" (Indie). $2,200 in final four 
days of second week. 

LiU:e Cai-neeie (Indie) (460; 95- 
$1.20) — "Nicholas Nickleby" (U). . 
Helped by nice reviews, this looks 
likely to hit new record here with 
$10,000 or over. Last week, "Tawny 
Pipit" (U) (12th wk), $4,000. 

Mayfsir (Brandt) (1,736; 70-$1.50) 
—"Gentleman's Agreement" (20th) 
(4th wk). Third week ended Mon- 
day (1) was fancy $65,800, after 
$66,000; in third. Record-'breaker has 
talcen in $214,800 in -three weeks, un- 
heard of for this size house. 

P»lace (RKO) (1,700; «0-$1.20)— 
"Out of Past" (RKO), House back 
in chips again with this, which hit 
big $38,000 in initial stanza ended 
last (Mon.) night. Last week, "So 
WeU Remembered" (RKO) '(8d wk), 
.slim $13,000, 
fanmount (Par) (3,660; S5-$1.50) 
-"Golden Earrings" (Par) and BUly 
De Wolfe; Ray McKinley orch, Marcy 
Lutes, Frankie Xaine. Clark Bros, on ^ 
stage. Opens today (Wed.>. iMst 
week, "Wild Harvest" (Par) and 
King Cole Trio, Connie' Haine.s, 
Bandy Brooks orch "heading stagebill 
(3d wk), okay $60,000. after good 
$62,000 for second. 

P«rk Avenue (U) (583; $1.20-$1.50) 
—"Bush Christmas" (U). Initial-week 
ended last (Tues.) night was barely 
good at $6,000. In .ahead, "Beware 
Pity" (U) (4th wk-5 days), $2,500. 

Radio City Mitsic H»U- (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,945; 70-$2.40)-r'?(3ass. Um- 
berlane" (M.-(J) and stageshoiW <4ttl-' 
final wk). Ending run here ■With 
bright $125,000, way up from $109^000 
for third stanza. "Good KevM" '(M- 
G), plus "Nativitj^" pageant and 
Christmas pantomime on stage, 
opens tomorrow (Thurs.), , ' • 

Btolto (Mayer) (394; 50-$1.80)— 
"Panic" (Indie). Fnench-made.film, 
teeing oft foreign^film ii>olicy here, 
soaring to terrific $20,(100' or near, 
and. sure of new record at this house. 
Holds, naturally. Last -week, "Lono 
Wolf London" (Col), $0,000 in 6 days, 
at 35-85C scale. ■ 

Bivoll (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60.$150) 
—"Unconquered" (Pap) (8th Wk). 
Heading for sturdy $32,000 after-$33,- 
000 in seventh session. Continuoff. 

Koxy (20th) (5,886; 80.$1.50)— 
"Thunder in Valley" (20th) plus Dan 
Dailey, Harrison & Fishec, ' hiding 
stagebill (2d wk). In first Six days 
ended last (Tues.) night looks v«ry 
thin .$65,000, ana won't stay here 
long. Last Week, 'forever Amber" 
(20th) and Veloz & Yolanda, -Sid 
Caesar heading stageshow (5th wk'- 
8 days), down to $50,000. 

State (Loew's) (3,450; 43.41.10)— 
"Wistful Widow" (U) (1st run) (2d 
wk) and new vaude beaded by Jackie 
Gleason, Bob Howard, Betty Reilly^ 
Climbing to rf ancy $34,000. I^st week, 
with vaude topped l>y Georgie Price, 
Haxine Sullivan, Think-a-Peink 
Hoffman, fine $32,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 55-$1.50)— . 
"Anthony Adverse" (WB) and "Jeze- 
bel", (WB) (reissues). Not doing so 
badly in view of no stageshow and 
low£r«d starting scale. Xotdos .solid 
$38,000, I^st week, third of "Escape 
Me Never". (WB) .and Frankie Carle 
orch heading ■ stagebill, very mild 
$37,000 at regular .scale here. ' • 
Button (RugoR^Be'ckec) (561; 70- 
$1.25)— "Know Where I'm Going" 
(U) (16th wk). For 15th frame 
ended last Monday (1) night, climbed 
to rousing $8,500, which is ahead of 
previous week's $6,800. Continues. 
Victoria (City Inv.) (720; ?0-$1.20) 
"Love From Stranger" (EL). Very 
good $23,000 or near in first stanza 
ending today (Wed.). I'inal siat days 
of fourth week for, "Gaugstet" 
(Mono) was $9,000. 

Warner (WB) (1,499; 90-$1.50)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (16th wk). 
Doing okay $14,000 after $15,000 for 
15tH round. Stays until late this 
month. 

Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- 
$1.20)— "Lo.st Moment" (U) (2d-final 
wk). Down to $17,000 or less in final, 
session after $20,000 on opener, be- ' 
low hopes. "Captain Boycott" (U) 
opens Friday (5), • 



WB's 3d for Old tilory 

Hollywood, Dec. 8. 

"Cradle of the Republic," Techni- 
color two-reeler', is set by Wamerii 
as Second in a series -.showing gl'Osit- 
ness of the U, S. First, "Power Be- 
hind Nation." is being distributed 
under aegis of Motion Picture Assn. 

Gordon . HoUingshead - will produce. 
Art GnTtnore hamie. ~ . 



10 



Wcdneiday, Deeembcr 3^ 1^7 




The same high note throughout 

the trade 
Hails **The greatest *Road' show 

ever made'M 





f ^ 




"Far and away the best of the 'Road* pictures." 

Says M, P, Daily 

'Ranks far above the first four 'Road* pictures.** 

Says M. P. Herald 

'Boxoffice winner in Paramount*s 'Road* series.** 

Says Variety 

'The Trio gathers its bumper crop of laughs.'* 

, SavJ Boxoffice 



W«lbiM4brV ^De^^ 9» 1947 



lILDf HEVIEWS 



11 



Good News 

(ooi:-OBr-soisrGS)_, 

Hollywood, Dee, 2. 

Mfil>» rel«Me ot Arthnt Preea (Itoser 
KtloiMiy praaoGtlkin. Stan June AUyion, 
PMr iMVlota: fMituns Patricia Ma»taall, 
Jiuin McCrackan, Itiur IfcDonald, Mel 
l'(ifm». D) reeled by Chartta WnUeia. 
£jci-8«ii|)l«r, Bettjr Comdtn, AdolpU Green: 
tiiiurd on mualval coinedr by. Jjawr«nv« 
Hi hwnb, Brown, Frank Manilel, B. O. 
jii<Sv1\'a, Ray Hena3ri)oil, aMittanitt ma- 
leriiil, IWty Comden, Qtim mi IlOK«r 
ioik'ua; camera <Tw:hnlcol«r), C'liarlea 
aclicienbaum; aoiiga, De8ylv»i BrDwn.& Ray 

RoBer JMeD»! atreoto^, Bennle Haytoii! bvt 
ranKsmentp, If »y Thompson j editor, ■ Alliert 
Am. TjraawliKvm Pec 1, '4T, Huuuintr 
{l,„f., 3IBH8. T 
{'uniiie Ijane,, ..••t.Jwne Allyson 

Tummy Mailowe. ., . , Petcr'Idiwfovd 

i'lil Mi-.<,'lo(<ai)....'.« Patrltla Marrfian 

tiiua iKwHllle ,.Joan MclTrookcn 
obby ■riirnw. Ray Mi-l)oii.il<i 



JWtlW 

I'l'KM- Vail l).vne, iH... 

C'OBtiii Oohnsoir ■ . * 

Vooi-h ...... ........... 

I'rcif, HurUni IMnilyoBi 

tiiM'f , . . 

C'dvli , tlH* Coolt . , . >> . 

Jtnm CJrIhWnW.,,...... 



Met ToniK' 
Kpljei't Htvitiklalid 
.Donald .MucBriUo 
, . . . . vTom DuKtni 
.CViwtdii Hundbei'K 

.'Mortl.s Attlsi'uni 
, , . ., .Georgin 
....>>> Jane Gteen 



fhis latest xemake ot "Good News" 
has in^tectious appeal that should 
dick with all lype audiences. First 
turned out by Metro in 1930 after be- 
ing .a Btoadwajr and hinterlands 
Stage hit, '"Good, Wews?' has the 
entertainment stuff th^t wears well 
with age. Its Bones still make the 
loot- pat, the comedy comes through" 
with punch and .the latest cast de- 
liy^ in esvery respect. 

Ptoduetion i? lavish with eye- 
appeal, the trappings appearing to 
advantage In Technicolor. Song and 
dance staging is a potent value in 
making it )reglster and the players 
sock contents home under the very 
smart direction by Charles Walters. 
Arthur Freed knQw^ his way about 
in furnishing a musical comeds^^with 
the .proper .production values and, 
aided by aseocfate Boger Ed ens, be 
misses no trick in this one. In all, 
it's the answer to a consideratale 
public clamor for light, carefree 
eSQ^pist entertainment. 

Such pop standards as '^ucky in 
liove," ^"The Best Things in Life 
Are Free," "Varsity Drag," "Just 
Imagine," "Ladies Man" and the title 
tune are iudictousfy spotted in the 
original score by B. G. DeSylva, Lew 
Brown and Hay Henderson, and get 
over with all of their 'old appeal. 
Score has been lengthened by ad- 
dition ot two new tunes, "Pass the 
Peace Pipe" and " "The French 
Lesson." Both aie showy pieces that 
fit .with older numbers and are strong 
additions. First was cleffed by Hugh 
Martin,. Balph Blane and Roger 
Edens, while latter came from the 
pens of Betty Cdmdeu. Adolph Green 

"Ladies Man" kickft off the ex- 
travagant music aod dance, with 
Peter Lawford and Mel Torme spot- 
lighted principally. Torme also 
coiaes through with "tucSky in Ixtve." 
Joan McCracken gives the big lift to 
production number of "Good News," 
as well 'as the catchy new tune, 
"Peace Pipe." June Allyson displays 
seldom-used pipes on "Best Things" 
and works with Lawford on "French 
Lesson," giving vocal end a decided 
assist. : 

College backgrounded plot depicts 
LawXord as the football hero. Miss 
Allyson as the girl working her way 
through as a librarian, Patricia Mar- 
shall, the school vamp, and others as 
students. Familiar complications are 
ably wrapped aroimd music and 
dance ingredients by scriptei-s Betty 
Comden and Adolph Green. The 
dialog is spritely with SQme modein- 
i^ation from its lKH)s origin, the fun 
^clcau and hearty as written. Walters' 
durection misses no bets, in getting 
the most mtA the best from the ex 
cellent- material. . 

Miss Allyson is most appealing as 
the heroine, lending considerable 
charm to hef lead role. Lawford 
shows up stofflifly as 'the- conceited 
gridiron hero who is finally straight- 
ened out on the right love path. Miss 
Marshall's college siren is exactly 
right and Miss McCracken shows the 
stuff that made her a success in-legil 
•musicals. Rounding out topnotch 
cast are Torme, Ray McDonald, 
Donald MacBride, Tom DUflafl, 
Clinton Sundberg, Loren inhdall, 
plus others. 

Art direction and set decorations 
furnish eye-catching backdrops and 
Charles Schoenbaum's color camera 
wkes every advantage of them, Kay 
Thompson, recently a click in the 
night club field, is responsible for 
sharp vocal arrangements of the 
niimhers. Lennie Hayton's musical 
an-ection is in same Class, as are 
other credits. Btog. 



as okay film fare tor Smaller key 
towns and family situations. Film 
has value as object lesson in right 
and wrong for youngsters— and 
adults— and poses that moral around 
the' first fight to outlaw organized 
dog. flghtmg.baQk in the JWOs. Pro- 
duction values have a tinmlicity in 
keeping with the story told and the 
countrv locale used. 

Joe E. Brown, in his first film role 
in some time, deserts his custom'ary 
buffoon character to give an able and 
moving performance as a country 
preacher who, believes in the value 
of faith, goodwill and honesty in con- 
ducting his daily life. Picture doesti t 
preach and pound over the thought, 
letting it unfold in simple fashion 
for the most eft'ect. Brown teaches 
those tenets to his son and the mem- 
bers of his church, and extends them 
to cover treatment of animals when 
he become.s personally involved in a 
battle against the pit-iighling of dogs. 

Harold Schuster's direction man- 
ages .some tense scenes of fighting 
dogs that are so realistically .shown 
they will have a chilling affect on 
audiences. Such sequences add to 
moral values of yarn scripted by 
Jack . Jungmeyer, Jr., - and Arnold 
Belgard. Writers have kept their 
story on'* simple line with pelieve- 
able dialog and situations. 

Young Richard Lyon shows up 
strongly as the son of Brown, ^n un- 
usually good moppet prforraance. Jo- 
sephine Hutchinson also impresses as 
Brown's understatnding wife. Charles 
Drake, Noreen Nash, carrying the 
slight romantic interest, ■ are good. 
James Millican registers as the oper- 
ator of pit fights. Jeanne Gail, Griff 
Barnett, Blayney Lewis ahd Jimmie 
Dodd are excellent support. 

Film was produced for 20th-Fox 
release by Edward L. Alperson, with 
Jungmeyer, Jr.,- .as associate pro- 
ducer. Latter also did the origmal 
story, adapted by Ahem Flnkel. 
I«nsing by^Hehry J'reulich, editing, 
music score and other credits meas- 
ure up to all demands; - Brog. 

Two Blondes Jind m 
. Bedhead 

(SONGS) 

Los Angeles, Nov. 28. 

Culiiiubia release ot Ham JviitKiMaa. pro- 
dllrtiitTi. FoalurCK J«?:in I*i>n*r. .Ilrnray 
IJoyci, Junt. r);eit^.st'r, .Tiidy Cl:irk. Direotm-, 
Ar^iiu* Pveilutw. yci-^ottplay, Vic-loi- Mc- 
IjCOO, JwmpBou Bre^'pi-; alory, Hnrry 
KMtuHs: t'riin(>rfi,, , Ira II. JIorKfi"; ^dilt"', 
.Tf'i-ome ThonKis; eonffs, Allan Roltei'ts and 
I)(U'is Fi»hi?i', Saul Chaplin. Reviewed 
N(>v. 27, '47.' IlunnliiK time, «l) MIN.S. 

C^thei-ilie Abbott .Jeaji Porter 

Tommy Kandcll ..Ilnimy Lloy<( 

Pattr Calhoun June PrelaHer 

Vlcki Ad.in>K. Judy Clark 

Freddie Ainaley. .Rick VnlUn 

JTutjse Abbott.....;. ...(.....UauKlas ^'ood 

Milea Emlbtiry I3iurles Smith 

Mr^. Abliotfe. Reglna Wallace 
Stelvln Loai»3da1«.....,.>,r...J'oha Met-edith 
MiKu Courtley. . .Dlilne Faunt«IIe 

Jeatictte^ ; ; .V. . , ; . . ;^onnne Wayn? 
Tony Pastor Orvheatru 



The Tender Years 

. ' Hollywood, Nov. 29. 

"V '"''"'"SO ot lidwai'd Ij. Aljwi-son- 

.HiiiRinnypr, Jr. (Alsoii) prortiiftifm. 
Blui-,.| jii. Brown; feiitm-eB RJohnnl Lyon, 
iVii-ciMi MiiBh, CharlM Drnko, Joscpbiiio 
Hut(ai1n.son, .Tftines Mllllcari, «rf<l Barnett. 
Jiircolwl by llHioId Schonter. SfrMiipliiv, 
■lunKmfycr, Jr., enrt Arnold Belcanl; atl:!jit- 
I'll by Alipni Kinkel from story by .rnnK- 
ntnyfrr, Jr.; cimora. Henry Freulfch; nmsic, 
'>>: Eilwiirrt Kllenyi; »aitor, Klcliaril I'ar- 
I'WI. TmiU-ahor,-n Nov. 28, MT. . Running 
time. »;i mmu, 

Ilav. Will Norri«.......,v.....Toe E. Brown 

llichurd I.yon 

i?™* Noreen Nasli 

H''b- ,- Charles Brake 

Jl-mily , .Joaephinu, ButeliinHon 

tfurton. , , . J . . . ,- i. , . . . jame« MlHIi'nn 

Kfij. ( 'ciuner. . , . . . , . ; ... , .Ovlff KitriieK 

i ..If iinne (Inil 

W'^i'ilT Hairy V. Clu-slilie 

J; iiiiilc. . . ... t,.< , . , . . , .Blaytiey I,on is 

Wke Jtniinle limiil 



"The , Tender Year.s" spins a tale 
With several morals and points itselt 



Program comedy with tunes that 
will satisfy sufficiently to get by in 
supporting bookings and smaller 
.situations. "Two Blondes and a Red- 
head" ijpots four tunes, three of them 
new, plus a modest amount of 
comedy. Production background for 
slight story achieves okay values for 
budget expenditure, giving it better 
dres.s than usually seen in lesser 
features. 

Jean Porter, aided by June Preis- 
ser, Judy Clark and Tony Pastor's 
orch, pipes several aongs, for okay 
results, while Pastor gives his vocal 
interpretation of the oldie "Sunny 
Side of the Street." 

Thin plot concerns small-town so- 
ciety girl who plays hookey from an 
exclusive school to try her hand at 
chorus line in a show. When show 
closes she invites two chorine chums 
to her hometown and there a number 
of complications are injected to pad 
out the story. Usual . assortmcfnt of 
stuffy fiance, snobbish rich, etc., 
found in this type, yarn add to mix- 
up.s but don't cloud the inevitable 
finale. 

Cast performs adequately under 
fointnula direction by Arthur Drei- 
fuss.' Miss Porter is the society girl 
who chums with June Preisser and 
Judy Clark. Jimmy Lloyd .holds 
down male lead as a rich boy 
ihasquerading as a servant. Hick 
Vallin, Charles Smith and others 
measure up to demands. 

The Sam Katzman production has 
been given capable lensing by Ira H. 
Morgan - and- other technical credits 
are standard. B^og. 



Sh»di>w Valley 

(SONGS) 

Eagle Lion release of .lerjy Thomas piV)- 
ductlon. BtJiiS Eddie Ilean; (entnres Kos- 
coe Ates, Jennifer Holt, George Chesebro. 
.Directed by Ray Taylor, Screenplay. Ar- 
tliuir S.fierm,nv;- cniijeBi. Ernest jrillei'i 
sougB, Pete (3a(es. Previewed in New York, 
Nov. ao, '-17. lUinnlng time, «1 JtUJiS 

Eddie Dean 
Roaeoe Ates 
. . . .Jennifer Holt 
.(?eo?ge CbOBebro 
Eddie Parker 



J'ltldie. .. 

Koapy 

Mary Ann.. 
Gunnlh'On. . . 
Foster 



Sheriff I-ee Moi-gan 

Bob. .i .. .T.nne Bradford 

Tutker t'arl Mathews 

0>'inie.i. Botl BUBter 

and 

The rinlnsmen: Andy Parker. Earl Murphy, 
Paul Bmlth, Genrjs" Kamby and 
Charles Morgan. 



Eddie Dean's screen adventures 
continue anew in a so-so yarn built 
around a goldmine, Exhibs won't 
mine more than usual in this series 
aimed i'qr the Saturday matinee 
kiddie.^ along with other action fans. 

D,ean is again . matched against 
George Chesebro. Casting of the 
latter in the heavy's role, inciden' 
tally, has now beco.me almost tradi 



Miniature R«Yiews 

"Good News" (Color - Songs) 
'(M-G). Bright with color, songs 
and ftm, pic has ^.o. appeal that 
indioatea hearty grosses. ' 

"Dlie Tender Years" (20th). 
Heartening story of faith and 
goodwill marks Joe E. Brown's 
screen return; okay family pic. 

"Two Blondes and • Bedhead" 
(Songs) (Col). Mild tuneful for 
twin bills and smaller situations. 

"Shadow -Valley"! (EL). Fair 
western in the Bddie Dean 
series. 

"Prairie Express" (Mono), 
Routine Johnny Mack Brown- = 
Rayniond Hatton oater. 

"Pacific Adventure" (Aus- 
tralian) (Col). Poor blopic of 
the late Aussie airman, Sir 
Charles.KingsfOrd gmith.; 

"It Always Bauis on Sunday" 
(GPD). British-made underworld 
meller looks likely in U. S. only 
for limited audience. ' 



tion. A trainrobber, on the lam, he 
heads the outlaws while m the guise 
of an attorney, Jennifer Holt is the 
object of his schemings. He and his 
gang have ahready killed Miss Holt's 
father and uncle in an attempt to 
scare her into selling her ranch. 
Thar's gold in them thar hills, but 
Miss Holt doesn't know it. 

In the nick of time^ comes Dean, 
mounted on his snowwhite charger, 
White Cloud. He puts the badmen 
to flight and saves the ranch with its 
valuable gold lode for Miss Holt. 
Interspersed in the footage are a 
trio of mediocre songs which make 
a fair attempt to capture the flavor 
of the mesa. 

Picture's thesping fails to emerge 
beyond the quality usually found in 
these low-budgeteis. Dean, registers 
as the champion of the law, his 
chum, Boscce Ates, supplies the 
comedy relief, (3iesebro is sinister 
enough as the renegade, while Miss 
Holt is decorative in the lone lemme . 
iroje. Hay Taylor's direction and' 
Ernest Miller's lensing are generally 
good in this Jerry Thomas pro- 
duction. 



Prairie Exiiress 

Hollywood, Nov. 28. 
MonogremL release of Bixrney A. Bdreeky 
produ(!tlon. - Stars Johnny Djktaoic Brown, 
Raymond Hntton. Directed by X^ainbert 
Millyer. Sereenphiy, J. Benton. Chaney cmd 
Anthony Coldoway; cameni, William SUck- 
ner; editor, Fred Magulre. Reviewed Nov. 
27, *4T. Running tinnc, SI lUINl!). 
.Johnny Hudson . . Johnny Mack Brown 
E'aro Jenkina. ... ......... Raymond Wfitton 

Dave Porter. .............. .Hohort Winkler 

Peggy Porter. .Virginia. Belraont 

Gordon Oregg. WlUiaiii H. Kuhl 

Burke MiirahaU . Heed 

Kent. . . . .. : .fdary Oarrett 

Lent . .,...-......,..«.. .-.T^' Adams 

Ijaugford. ......Curly "Gibson 

Fete.;. .......... ,,.«......... . . .Kon Adams 

.Tan-ett.. ......................... Steve . Clark 

Sheriff . .............. . ,- . SttiTiforfl joBey, 

Deputy .Hank Worden 

CoUin,s , , . i .Carl JUathewt! 

Perry ^Boyd S tockina u 

Joe . jEiub !Mcj!!lray 

Blane. Jach 'Hendri<AB 

Torgo. ., i ................... ...Artie Ortego 



"Prairie Express" lopes along at 
casual pace .through most of its 51 
minutes, being pretty much average 
sagebrush fare which juveniles and 
other western fans will find mildly 
diverting. Latest of the Johnny 
Mack Brown-Raymond Hatton series, 
scripters didn't bother too much 
with a purposeful subject, with re- 
sult audiences will ifind' little of a 



Royal Weddini^ in Cobr 
Afi OK 30-iliiL Short 

J. Arthur Rank's fllmers caught 
the color, pomp and panoply of the 
Elizabeth-Philip royal nuptials in a 
30-minule Technicolor capsule which 
is sure to register wide appeal. It 
has the pull of royalty,, tradition 
,and rich costuming — not to mention 
'history in the making — all of which 
spells healthy biz. 

Films of the reverent portrayal of 
the royal pair were rushed to the 
tf. S. last week by Universal where 
they hit Loew's New York show- 
cases—State, Criterion and Brook- 
lyn Metropolitan— on Tuesday (25) 
night. It has the newsreels to com- 
pete with (all reels have released 
full clips on the event), but interest 
is high enough for the short's fuller 
treatment, • > 

Because cameras were barred from 
the scene of the wedding ritual, the 
film necessarily is preoccupied with 
processionSi formal , portraits of 
principals and -guests, cheering 
crowds and quiet background shots 
of the ruling family and Philip. In- 
ability to focus on the ritual gives a 
certain static quality to miles of 
footage devoted to processions, 
parades and' marches. 

A leavening dash of humor is sup- 
plied by two page boys who show 
normal liveliness in a stuffy family 
portrait. Commentary is deadpan 
and reverent, adding to the static 
impression. Tinting is highly effec-. 
tive, endowing the pic with the vivid 
coloring which the subject demands. 

Wit. 



ro.mahtic nature. Best it can hope 
for is lower-bracket billing. 

Yarn, what there- is pf it, has to 
do with heavy trying to. put small 
freighting oufit out of business, so 
that he may acquire ranch owned by 
brother and sister, who also operate 
hauling trick- Reason for all this, 
unknown to anybody but heavy, is 
fact the railroad is coming through 
and wants right-of-way through the 
ranch. Of course, heavy doesn't get 
property; of course, he gets his, in 
the end; and of course, hero Johnny 
triumphs and everybody is happy, 
except the heavy and his cohorts, 
'caOse they're dead,' the rascals. 

Brown pretty much walks through 
his role, although part of the- time 
on his boss, and Hatton seems to be 
lost in the shuille, William, H. Ruhl 
plays villain in' static fashion, with 
Robert 'Winkler and Virginia' Bel- 
mont, young ranchowners . whom 
Johnny helps in saving their outfit 
and ranch. Lambert Hillyer might 
have drained more action out of his 
direction in this Barney A. Sarecky 
production. Technical credits are 
average. Whit. 



Paeifie Adventure 

(AVSTBAUAN-1HA0E) 

Columbia produelion and 'felease. Stars 
Ron RnndeU; feflttnws- Muitol 3teinbeofe. 
Directed by Ken O. Hall. Sfereenplay, John- 
Chandler, Alec Coppet, baaed npott «a aaap< 
tation by Hall and Max Afford; Cttroera, 
Georga Heath; editor, Terry Banlia.', At 
TJew York theatre, N. Y., week Nov. SB, 

". Running time, « MINS. 
Sir Charlea IClngstOrd Smith. .Ron Bandell 
IjftUy M, Kingsforfl Smith .Uitriel Slelnfieek 

Charles Vim j„hti Tate 

Kaj- Sutton Joy Nichols 

Nan ICingatord .Smith.-. Nitn Taylor 
Capt. (1. Allan Ilancock. . .. .Alec Kellaway 

Sir Hubert Wilklus Johii Dease 

Stringer. , ..Toe Vulli 

Arthur Powell...... .Miu-staU Crosby 

Harold Kingsford Smith. ...'...Johii Dunne 

Beau Slieil Edwurd Smith 

Tommy Pethyliridge Alan Herbert 

Rt. non.,W. M. Hughes... Himself 

Captain P. Q. Taylor Himself 

Ji*n Stannage.-...- Himself 

An Australian import, "Patific Ad- 
venture" unrpels the story of pioneer 
Aussie airman, Sir Charles Kingsford 
Smith. ,, The aviator's exploits might 
well have been filmed into a telling 
and forceful biopic, .but this Colum- 
bia version ^s singularly dull. Pic- 
ture's documentary style fails to 
build audience interest and the mar- 
ket for this entry obviously lies in 
the double bills. 

In preparing exploitation and bally 
for "Adventure," exhibs would do 
well to emphasize the film is not a 
war picture. Kingsford Smith, as is 
gen'erally known, chalked up a. num- 
ber of l.ong-distance hops a score of 
years ago before flying to Jiia deajh 
on one of them. Fli&ht sequences, 
which oc<mpy. the bulk pf the film, 
are wortii pointing up ih<.sales pro- 
motion. 

Ron Bandell, now in Hollywood 
for Columbia, is forthright and: 
virile enough as Smith but poor di- 
rection and a faulty script fail to 
give him an opportunity to exhibit 
his true thesping prowess. Story tees 
off with Smith's discharge from the 
air force after the close of 'World 
War I. 

• Smith then makes a round-Austra- 
lia flight and later, with government 
backing, flies the Pacific in the 
"Southern Cross,"' Starting -his own 
domestic airline, he meets' with re- 
verses. In an attempt to win a Brit- 
ish mail contract, he sails to London. 
Flying home in a final try for finan- 
cial support, the airman js lost with-: 
out trace. . , 

Sandwiched in the flier's career is 
& brief romance with Muriel Stem- 
beck which blooms into marriage. 
Her role is not a particularly pleas- 
ant one inasmuch as she's continu- 
ally pleading with her husband to 
abandon his flights. Her work is 
mediocre as is the acting of the baU 
auce.of the cast. Photography is okay 
although there are numerous inser- 
tions of newsreel clips. 

It Jklways BwbM on 

(BRITISH-MADE) 

London, Nov. 26. 
General £^jlm' Dl»trlbiitor.<4 release of 
Ealing Sludio»-Mi«1mel ..Baletm producUon. 
Stars Google Wichera, John McCallum,. Jacis 
Warner. Directed by Robert Hamer. Screen- 
play by Angus Ma.cpliall, Robei-t- Hamer,. 
Henry Corneliua : fronr . novel by Arthur 
la Bern; editor,- \Michftel .Ti-uman: music, 
GeorgcB Auric; camera. X>ougl£iR Stooombe. 
.Telt gealiolme^ At Leicester Bauare, -Nov. 
'47. Running time, 02 1»V^S. 

Rose Snndigate. Googi^ 'Withers 

George Bandigate. ...... .Edwal'd CbapmaU 

Vi Sandigate . , . i. ... i . i.Buaan .Sha-w 

DnriH Sandig.ato ..... . .. . . .-PatTicia Plunkett 

Alfle Sandigate......... ......."David Clnea 

Morry Hyaras. , Sydfiey' Tafler 

Sadie Hyams..... .Betty Ann. Davies 

Lou Hyam». ...... . . ; . .John Siatef 

BesAie. . , a „ . . . , , Janei Byltoi^ 

.Holly Hyams. .,,.•*.....'. Meier T'.ieinifcer 
Tommy Swann.,. , ., , , , .. ,.,Tohn- McCailum 

.Whltey .....Jilinny Hanley 

Predd le .Tuhn Cai-ol 

Hgt. Fottioi gill. . . Jack Warner 

Sgt. Leech ................ .Frederick I*ipor 

^fi-s. Spry. ... ........... .Hermiouo. Baddeley 

Blopey Collins. 'i ... .. ...Michael Howard 

Ted Edwards . . . ^ . w . , . • . k * . , . . . .Nigel Stock 

Caleb Noosley. .......... John Salew' 

Mr,-!. NuoKlcy ..... , Gladys Ilenson 

Mrs. Watson............ Bdio Alartin 



on a wet Sunday. Normal routine to 
many of its inhabitants is upset by 
the news that., a former , resident 
convict John McCallum, has. escaped 
from' jail. He makes lor the housa 
occupied i by . a former sweetheart, 
now married to an easy«goihjg man, 
father of a couple of grown- daugh- 
••ters. 

- Her love for the convict is re-^ 
awakened, and she hides him until 
night. He deserts h6r when her com- 
plicity is discovered, and she at- 
tempts suicide. Meanwhile the potice 
havfe thrown a cordon round the dis- 
trict, and, a lengthy, unnecessary 
chase occurs until the convict is 
caught. Minor sequences deal with 
cheap gangsters and a couple of luke- 
warm love affairs. The escaped con- 
vict theme is becoming common- 
place, but the labelling of wrong-i 
doers with a religious tag, when such 
description has no , real bearingi on! 
the story, looks ' dangerous.,, Prorivc- ; 
tion and camera ■wprk have merit 
and aiithenticity, 

Googie 'Withers gives a; sound per- 
formance as the harassed hou^ew-ife 
in love with the convict, but •fha 
minor key in which everytjiing, is 
pitch^ tends to make her mo- 
notonousr Her husband, Edward 
Chapman, is in perfect harmony with 
his surroundings while McCallum 
gives the convict the necessary 
brutality. 

^ Jack WEirner, is once again the 
cockney detective and the supporting 
past is weir chosen. Susan Shawtias a 
rebeUioni; daughter, hints distinct 
promise. 

Film has too much against it to in- 
sure popularity, and will find it hard 
sledding to win audiences over here. 

Cone. ■■■ 



The Winner 

(BtlSI^IAN-MABE) 
(Sonss) 

Artkino i-eloase of Moafflm Studios pro* 
duetion. Featureji Ily.-i Pereverlsev, lirina 
Chei-ednlacbonko: Dii'coted, by Andrei'B'ro- 
low.-.- fi^creenplay-, Sergei ' Vladiuiirek, > V, 
.Yurenev; cinnei-a, V. Petrov,; ' rausit",: ; V» ■ 
Aftaaiev; Hougu. Vlatlimir Lebudev-tCumach; . 
lilnglish titles, Chnrle.s Clomentr. Proviewed 
N. Y., Nov. 20, '4T. itunnlng lltpe,' 89 
■MINS. 

I. V. Brivalov.... 
Mrs., PrivHluv. . . . 

mmiA icnitiitov. , 

Itlslitchi, , . , » 

Yuri Rugov....i'. 

ally. Rogov , 

KoHUalav.. .....*... 

ljubutgo 



. viadimjr YOIodla 

; .-.-An^stasla' SiUKOVa 

llj"a Pcrevertaev' 

. .Irinii. -Cheredliiaohonko 

.; Vasaiiy Critinov 

...... A lojiander Stepanov 

. . ... . .Tamara Govorkova 

. ... . . . .aorgel BliullcoT 

, . . Antojt uyclo* 



Gloom, and more gloom creeps 
into every foot of this film. For those 
to whom misery and art are synonym 
mous, this may be entertainment, but 
the average patron .will feel no better 
for having spent 90 minutes watching 
Dead End folk living Dead End lives. 
In days when a British High Court 
jury has given legal sanction to anti- 
Semites, Fascists possibly will find" 
some ready ammunition in this. In 
the U. S., film might win approval 
from a limited audience. 



(In Bussi««; English Titles) 

In this musicomeciy ■ of Russia's 
fistic arena, the film's hero . ridea 
nearly two weeks on a train, and 
then goes ii^to the ring seeking .the 
boxing title. As expected'; he gets 
kayoed. ' Which would seem to prove 
that it's impossible to become' a 
champ athlete, even in- Russia, with- 
out regular training. Main com* 
plaint over this amiable . little .film 
is that it takes so long to' proiriej.this 
point. -Okay fOr Riisso-slanguSig* 
theatres, where it should be a, relief 
from the usual diet of Soviet propa- 
ganda pix. , 

Soviet producers might be inter- 
ested to know that in the matter ol 
title fights, defeated aspirants 'h»Y9 
come back to win in the U. S, on 
several occasions, So that the idea 
of a worthy foe returning to seek 
the championship after one defeat is 
not exactly originaL ' : ■ -, 

Story has a husky Siberian athlete 
being developed into" a heawweight - 
ring champ. There's much elabora- 
tion about a femme swimmer falling 
for him. Also, much hocits-pocus 
over whether he will stay in the 
fistic game and near his sweetheart, 
or return to his former home in Si- 
beria. Persuaded to return to hunt- 
ing big game in the Siberian woods^ 
he rides nearly to his destinectioa 
and then back to Moscow before 
making up his mind. (Train ride^ 
incidentally, is too long even in the 
picture). N^urally, a$ retumcF to 
seek the boxing champ title ot Mos- 
cow.. ., ■ , ■ 

Pic apparently marks Russo pro- 
ducersV discovery of the- fight ring 
as possible Him locale.. l^s$'s th» 
.only feaslbWe^lanaUoh for numer- 
ous pat. pugilistic angleji and patter 
that's been done countless times in 
U. S. pictures. The title fight 
scenes are surprisingly, dull. 

Andrei Frolow's direc^on ia 
much better than the actual story. 
Camera work of 'W. Petrov, .not in- 
cluding, the womoitt newsreel .clips . 
for ;some of' th^- Moscow- ■.stadimq^ 
scenes, is- amon^t the best to eomtt 
from 'Soviet studios in months. 

Pic marks the ' Screen debut of 
Irina Cheredniachenko, blonde 
beaut, &S the swimmer and aU-rOundi 
femme athlete. She's a first-'rate 
thespian by Russo standards. Th« 
liero is Impressively played by Ilya 
Perevertsev- He might possibly be 
a future bet— if he ' can cut do'wn 
the length of his name. ' 'Vladimir 
■Volodin, standby favorite in any 
Soviet musicali . is excellent in- the 
comedy role of fight manager. Hi| 
F^-'yiftg, too, is the -best of ^vteral 
efforts. Weir. 



' Prept EL Pic in Itttly 

Hollywood, Deo. "2. 
Leonard Picker planed to Itsdy t* 
spend, a' month supervising prepara- 
tions of start of Eagle-Lion's "Soni 
of Musketeers." Turhan Bey stars^ 
Picker produces'. s , ■ 

He'll line up remainder .of cast on 
returit. liere next-months- pawl liyiil go 



Story opens in Londo'n'g East End- i6aiiK;ttt-It«ly;eatlir',jii:®Sbm 



... ancf M. P. Herald acdaims 
OS boxoffice champiom for October • • . 

■■*»■:,■-■■.■ ■: I ," .. ' , I I in i ii. i ,.L i .. . 1 ,..,, ..i.ii. I I. I III I .ji ..' ' I mmmmim>'mmtmmmmmmmm(makmmmmmmmmmmatmmamimimmmm l i i f i T - i 'I'l i 



IIVTIERNAIIOIVAL 



IS 



Paris Vaqde, Niteries Slump as "Names 



1^ 


w 







By MAXIME PE BEIX 

Paris, Nov. 25. 
Most noticeable clrange currently 
taking place in show business hepe 
is the practical disappearance o( ihe 
variety show, TcA% type ol timtise- 
ment( long popular in Pwis wnder 
the title of riSife concert, andl which 
until reoently sUU heW « Hew stands, 
can be consider^ ejrtinct, lor lack ol 
houses. 

The old cafe concert which had 
more recently become music hall 
vanished for several raasons, of which 
the first is the supertax imposed upon 
if Musicftts and legit are taxed 
about 26%. Vaude pays 47%, hence 
eoii)£ in-the Jted^t the aUKfate.it pro- 
vocation.' Ediai Pi«f, currently ia 
l^tnerica, was here at the Btoile. 
Til* house haa been losing heavily 
tor the iKSt two years. It would have 
cost still wm, but instead of a con- 
tinuous vande policy the house has 
heen used for lexit for long spells, 
thus niinimixinf! the loss. 

Another ceason is that most of the 
vaude > names have left France to 
play areas where they get better 
salaries and appreciated currencies. 
, Among the most-populpr names now 
in America are Maurice Chevalier, 
Lucienne Boyer, MisS Plaf, Jean 
'Sablun, Roger Dann and Jacques 
Pills. Georges Guetary is in London 
and Charles Trenet in -Brussels. 
When latter comes back here it will 
be in a one-man riiow so as to get 
in a lower tax bracket. 

Vaude- talent, deprived of an out- 
let, is seeking ladio icd>s,' and is get- 
.ting much, lower salaries than usu- 
ally reported. Top moneymaker is 
currently Yves* Montand, followed 
by Georges UUmer 'and Dass'ary. 
Miss Montand never commanded 
more than $800 for .a special show.- 
Old Names IHiappear ' 

A lot of former names have prac- 
tically disappeared or have lo.st 
value.* Marie Dubas, Georgius, Ilina 
Ketty, Lise Gauthy, ILine Clovers. 
Reda Cairo', etc. And with the slump 
on niteries, few outlets are ollered 
new talent. Suzy Solldor, Colette 
Mars and until recently Yolandn did 
well in cabaret work, biit except for 
a Xew clubs, business is waning iixsi. 
Champs Klysees (Bernard Hilda) 
has the pick of the carriage trade. 
Suzy Solidor, Monsigneur and Vie 
Parisienne are active, 

Biit the big places — ^meaning Lidd 
for the Champs Elysees mid Tahariu 
for Montmartie — are getting most of 
the trade. Tliey can airord to put on 
shows which tlie intimate boite can't 
hope lor, with name acts. Laurel 
and Hajdy, at $10,000 per week, 
closed Nov. 23 after doing two a day 
with a sketch at the Lido, supported 
by an English performer, Henry 
Moreni. They are taking a couple 
pf weeks oil in Paris before going to 
Brussels on the first leg of a long 
tour which will take them to Aus- 
tralia, and bring them back via the 
U. S- to play London in December, 
•48. 

But for 'American acts, there are 
currently fe* outlets, in Paris. Lo- 
cal newcomers who loflc likely vaude 
bets ore Renee Iiebas, Xiily Sayol 
and Lytiane Key, also. M-year-pW 
Simonc LEnglojrc, who u^es .Miss 
Pi Ill's songs. Of the former vaude 
stands, some have gone legit, fome 
pictures. 

MHly Goldin's ABC is playing a 
revie. TJio AUuunbEa, ciuTsatly 
houiing, the Grand Ballet de Monte 
Carlo, is prepping a musical. SO is 
the Etoilc, as well as tlie European 
and Bobino. Same is true of Casino 
Montpai natse. Folics Belleville and 
Excelsior have gone pictures, and 
Petit Casino, last of the old guard, 
is about to do the sam* and has 
closed for alterations. 

Tin ran Alley Soefced 

Local Tin Pan Alley is gjiso feelhig 
it badly. few composers, such as 
f'rancis Lopez or Vincent Scotto, 
are getting a big 'income tbrough 
the SACEM, but most of the 5,000 
songsters here are getting pittances. 

If vaude is disappearing, Paris is 
^kiiift more and more to ballets. 
Col. Vassily de Basil's Original Bal- 
let Russe, at the Palais de Chaillot, 
got no raves. But the Ballet des 
Champs Elysees, at the Theatre des 
Champs Elysees, and the Grand Bal- 
let de Monte Carlo, at the ^Ihambra. 
are both clicking. 

The Champs Elysees, \Mith 
choreography by Boris Kochno and 
Roland Petit, has Jean Babilee, 
Nathalie Philippart, Irene Shorick. 
Michelinc Morriss, Nina Viroubova 
and Brlansky. With costumes and 
scenery by Christian Dior, they not 
only pl«y classics such as "Ballet 
de la Morf but such modern ma- 



'terial as "Bal des Blanqhisseuses" 
and "Les Porains." 

Contrasting in style is the Grand 
Bsjllet de Monte Carlo, which fea- 
tures much American talent, such 
as Bosella Hightower, Ajidre Ei^v- 
8ky, Marjorie Tallohief, Georges 
Skibine, Yvonne Patterson, David 
Raher, Peter Holmes and Nathan 
Baker. Choreography is by Michel 
Folcine, Bromnslava Nijinska and 
also Serge Lifar.' The performances 
are regular sellouts. 

In spite of ^local distpiriting con- 
ditions, legit .business is fairly active, 
with plenty new sliows and more to 
come. But up to date the only smash 
is Jean AnoUilh's "Invitation au 
Chateau," at the Atelier, which Qfl- 
bert Miller is likely to get for 
America. 

PictuKi;- are not doing so well. 
Despite the recent tilting of prices, 
grosses are unsatisfactory: As to the 
production end, • it's in ' very bad 
shape. The French studios are prac- 
tically deserted. The cost of produc- 
tion, refusal of banlcs to finance pro- 
duction, and interference of the 
technicians in production mailers 
are driving producers to operate 
abroad. ■ 

The campaign against American 
picture:;, in part of the pres.s, still 
continues, and the French picture 
[authorities are not helping Ameri- 
can distribs any. ' ' 



SLOW-STARTING m' 
NOW WOW IN PROVINCES 

London, Nov. 27. 

Despite fact that "Diamond Lil," 
starring Mae West, started slowly in 
the provinces, it is now picking up. 
Show did practically capacity • in 
Glasgow last week and it doing big 
busmess this week in Liverpool, 

To comply with the policy of the 
Prince of Wales theatre, show will 
play twice-nightly when it opens in 
London in January, replacing "Pic- 
cadilly Hayride." At the suggestion 
of Val Pameli; '•Lil" is being given 
period setting with even theatre and 
staflt adorned to create Gay, {Nineties 
atmosphere. 

Meanwhile La West is burning the 
midnight oil, rewriting th^ play in 
time for its I<andon production. 



Bulla Niteries 

Budapest^. Nov. 25. 

Budapest's, nisfat life suffered a 
new blow recently when the gov- 
ernment ordered that all cafes,' 
nightclubs, bar.s and similar places 
have to close down at midnight 
week days and at 1 a.ni. Sundays. 
Till now, shutdown was unlimited. 
Tiietitie.s and cinemas have to emp- 
ty out at 11 p.m. 

Prior to tlii.s, liowever, almost .'ill 
prominent night spots had been 
closed by the police as their owners 
had been ovtrcharging cu.stomers. 
Arizona; Palais de Danse and other 
nightclubs were closed due to this 
action leaving the Moulin Rouge as 
only existing class nightclub in 
town. Many, cafes and drugstores 
were closed too. 

According to official ruling these 
places may be claimed by anybody. 
Reports show that Palais de Danse 
was claimed by the Society of 
Democratic Hungarian Women, 
Cale de Paris by a tobacconist, Kis 
Moulin by a shoemaker and Cafe 
D6brecen by the Trade Union of 
Cafe Workers. 

A government order had also for- 
bidden- much use of lights due to 
the coal shoitage, so it's possible 
that Budapest, once Europe's "Town 
of Light," will soon be a dark town. 



Ease h Swede 
Freeze Dim 



Relaxation of the. current 50% 
freeze on remittances of American 
film earnings in Sweden is unlikely 
at the present time, accordii^c to 
Carl NeI.son, prexy of the Monark 
and Royal Film Distributing Cos., 
who arrived in New York,. Monday 
(1 ) aboard the Gripsholm. He was 
accompanied by Schamyl' Bauman, 
head of the Sandrew-Bauman Fibn 
Co. and Bauman Productions. 

Nelson based his opinion on 
Sweden's current dollar shortage. 
Boxofllce has slumped in Sweden 
much the -same as it has. in the U. S. 
although he expressed belief that, 
grosses -soon would be on the up- 
grade again. 

Swedish iihn industry also faces 
the bugaboo of high taxes. Nelson 
declared. Producers' incomes' are 
taxed At an average of 60';ij while tlie 
bite on admissions nins around 20%. 
Nekon and Baumai!, who plan to 
remain in New York until Dee, 18, 
brought with them six prints of 
newly produced Swedish pietures. 
Three wci-'e made by Bauman^s firm 
while the remainder belong to 
Monark-Royal. ■■ . . 

While in the U.-S. the two 'execs 
will try to worlc out American dis- 
tributional doal.s for tht^ir sextet of 
imports as well as siud.v studio 
operations on the Coast. Pair is 
slated to return to Sweden next 
March. Nelson, who importc*! 15 to 
20 PRC films for Swedish disti-ibu" 
tion last year, said he may negotiate 
similar deals with American indies. 
A veteran film director, Bauman is 
making his first visit to the IT. S. 



Dday on MPEA Disirib oi 
Bkuned on Bank, Natiye Prodncm 



HEX, GOVT. Wni ^ (IP 
BMKTOAIDpEATRE 

Mexico City, Nov. 28. 

Tottering ■ theatre in Mexico, legit 
as well as vaude, looks due tor a 
new lease on life since Lal>or Min- 
ister Serra Bojas announced Ihat 
the federal government has pla.is to 
hypo the theatre by founding a oank, 
similar to that backing the pic in- 
dustry. . ; ■ 

Bank, Rojas revwiled, will have an 
initial capital of |100,000 (U.S.) of 
which the government will provide 
half and theatrff men the rest, in 
cash or in credits. 

The government, distressed, be- 
cause showfolk are the only union* 
ists in Mexico who don't"have tli<Sir 
own hospital, will also help them es- 
tablish such an institution toy provid- 
ing medicos and apparatus, Rojas 
.saidv, ; 



TOKYOCRACKSDOWNON 
OROTIC' FILMS, PLAYS 

' Tokyo, Nov. 25. . 

With srevision of the nation's 
criminal code. Tokj'o's Metropolitan 
Police Board last week announced 
its intention of cracking down on 
"erotic" films, revues and plays. 

Under present plan, show producer 
will be punished with penal servitude 
of not mora than six months or a 
fine of not more than 500 yen ($10) 
if "in any case^ tJie vital parts, hips, 
or chests of girls are revealed in an 
attempt to express extreme eroti- 
cism." 



Not Ont Paying Customer 
For Mex 'Fatal Woitian' 

Mexico City, Deo. 2. 

Times truly are tough for local 
legit theatres. Teatro Ideal was 
obliged to emit itsshow nightof Nov. 
27. At curtain time, not a single 
ticlcgt had been sold. The eiglit who 
were in the audience on passes wei'c 
a.sked to call some other time. 

Show was "Ud Tiene Gjos de Mu- 
.ier Fatal" ("You Have the Eyes of a 
i Fatal Woman"), \yhich had drawn 
.<io badly that but one performance a 
day was given. However, Ideal is 
malcing something of a comeback 
with Armando Calvo, Spanish ro- 
mantic actor, who has made '» rep in 
Mexican pix. 



Small British Exhibs 
Beefing at Oistriktor 
Setup on We<idin£[ Pic 

London, Dec. 2. 
Suburban and :otIier small-town 
independent exhibitors are protesting 
loudlj; against the way the special 
Gaumont three - reel Technicolor 
special of the royal weddin< is be- 
ing distributed, claimins; th^y arc 
'virtually fiw.en out until the event 
will be nearly ancient history, Sub- 
liect was made for, and is being dis- 
tributed, here, by the J. Arthur Bank 
Organization. 

B. T. Davi!!; head of the Cine- 
maiograph Exhibitors Assn.. said he 
was oppoised to distrih arrangements 
made on the film because the ^price 
was higher than that paid for the 
Victory Parade film. Also Ijecause 
practically no film theatres a^iflS 
from the Odeon and Gaumont-Brit.* 
ish circuit hou.ses (Rank operated) 
will have the film for showing the 
llr.st week available. 

West Lan(;a.shire branch of CEA 
passed a re.soltition urging that any 
future national film should be avail- 
able to every exhib on the same 
ba.^is at tlie newsreel. 
I Sam Redford. Manchester manager 
I for General Film Distributors, which 
I is handling the film, pointed out the 
[ setup for handling the royal wedding 
special. He said that Iccy cities and 
.communities, .eot the film starting 
Dec. 1 at an Odeon or Gaumont the- 
atre plus one indie cinema. 
! "If in these towns there is both 
\ an Odeon and Gaumont cinema," 
' he .said, "it will be- sufficient to show 
; the film at both of them and the in- 
I dependent cinema will be pre- 
I eluded." 



Budapest, Nov. 25. 
Because only six feature pictures 
h#e b<^n released 'by the U. S. 
Motion /ftctni-f Cxport Assn. since 
September, the public here is try- 
ing to learn the exact causes' of th« 
slowdown on American product. It 
appears fairly obvious that the 
MPEA officiiiUy has noit altered pre- 
viously announced plans for releas- 
ing about. 8* new pictures it) the 
lp47'''48 season nor deviated to any 
extent from thie vrapid j>aee of re- 
leasing 'followed 'in th0 previbuai 
season..^ 

Checkup reveals that MPE^ pic- 
tures which arrived in the country 
recently testye been held bacli at the 
custiims office awaiting import 
lieenses, -Some hairing laid there for 
'thr^f^ to six montlis. Back of this de- 
lay is , the action of the Hungarian 
]Kational Bai;^wfa)Ch dcma'hds con- 
erete fitjjures before giving olsay on- 
MPEA-Mlmsw'. 

' Stand- «f ;the'" bank is that it Can 
permit impcMrt only to "artistic sihd 
worthwhile" 'filnis because of the: 
Himgarian doUar shortage. It's even 
understbod that the bank wants the 
MsPEA to lay down a specific figure 
as to what is expected in return for 
a picture, and if tliis is done the 
banlc nmy okay an import license, 
. As . a result of this logjam at the* 
ctistoinl^ office, there now ara neilrly 
4& MPfiA ' pictures awiiitiiig' reieaSef 
inclu(}ing>. "Notorious."' '^National 
VcIvfct,^*;Thiladelphia Story," "Cluny . 
isrown,""! ' "Song . of Bernadette-," 
"RaKeff's Edge-," "Sa-ratoaa Trunk," 
"Ali Baba," "Stolen Life," "Madame 

— ... Curie" "O. S. S." 

deficit. Assailed by leaders of five , In some other circles, it's reported 
other parties. Information Minister that the MPEA slow-down is part of 
Vaclav Kopecky, a Communist, was ' the campaign by .the Communist film 
also asked why his ministry wa,sted \ company, Mafirt, to hamjiey Ameri- 
paper on pulp_ novels while refusing can full-scale releasing efforts. In 
it for serious" works, and why the- j the meanwhile, this company has 
outside world was not better in- dumped a lot of forbign-made films 
forpied about Czechoslovakia. on the local market including 

According to a spokesman for the "Caes! r and Cleopatra," "London 
Information Mini.stry* it was ad- ■ Town," "Blithe Snirit" and. "Le Ba- 
mitted that the film industry was t:»Ue du Rail." Both "Caesai-" and 
"strongly under Communist influ- "Spu:it" are rated flops at the local 
ence." He said ftbout «0% of the boxofftce. 
workers *ere Cbmmunijsts but! . .. Blf Four Bajk 
pointed ' out that the he^d of the I *«"=*°5 1" ^e easing 

ministry's film section was a N^- , «etup is ttie .part plnyrd by he Big 
tional Socialist and heads of the for- ^ffii*"* ^;'"V^'f "^"^ 

eign department were Socialists. ilL^^^.J^i^lfi, ^^''^'^i, O"^*- 
, . .. „, , Ivihjort ana iSarlo, own about 90%. 

Five Films Shot j^f Hungary's theatres. Because 

Despite limited equipment and >.e there are no privately-owned film 
fact that Ruisia is using part of its i houses here or in other leading 
studio facilities, the Czech State Film c ; .; , t' e?^ f^istr '-. ■ ir - ;5'(jran1 to 
Monopoly has completed five films in < boycott MPEA films. Only catch to- 
recent months. Most notable of this j this setup is that even the yen to 
quintet is"Slrena" ("The Strike"), a |land their own productions in their 
prize winner at the Venice Film Fes- -' houses might not last long if patrons 



Red-Led Cnd 
HiiBtlieRed 

Prague, Uec, 2. 
' .Charges of Communist control- of 
film production touched off a hot 
parliamentary debate last week in 
which it was revealed that the Czech 
industry has been operating at a 



tival. Directed by Karel Stekly, film 
is based on a novel by the contem- 
pory Czech authoress, Marie Maje- 



stay away when American fare is 
lacking. 

Another angle is that such com- 



rova. Book deals with coal miners at ' panies as Orient have managed to 
the turn of the century. i make deals for U. S. proOiict not im- 

Al.so completed at the Barandorf , dcr MPEA wing, mainly United Ar- 
studios here is "Krakakit," directed \ tifts and ind'es like Ea.riloLion, etc. 
by Otakar Vavra and starring Czech Oi-ient now- has about ?>a Amprican 



actrc.=s!, Florence Marly, who is now 
in Hollywood appearing in P^ara- 
mount's "The Sealed Verdict." 
''ICralcakit'is" plot is based on a 20- 
year-^old Karcl Capek novel which 
treats of an explosive capable of de- 
stroying the world. 

Other new films are "Most" ("The 
Bridge"), "Znameni Kotvy" ("The 
Sign of the Anchor") and "Muzi- 
kant" ("Musicians'*). Birected by 
Frantisek Gap, "Kotvy" is the story 
of S. magician and his medium. '.Cap 
also handled "Muzikant," a tale of 
itinerant groups of South Bohemian 
villagers. 

Puppet films are coming in for at- 
tention,- too. A productive group 
working in Zlin is shooting satiric 
films with wooden toys. .^Another 
unit, under the direction of painter 
Jiri Tnika,' is making shorts .Of 
Czech folklore. All films of this type 
are in color; < .i. 



Other Foreign Newi 
oil F«s.e- 15 



Censor Axes 'Open City* . 
In Arg. After 12th Week 

Buenos AireSj Dec. 2. 

Rubbing some Peronistas the 
wrong way. the Italian film- "Open 
City," which has a powerful anti- 
fascist message, was suddenly, re- 
moved from exhibition in Argentine 
theatres. Unexplained action caused 
Kalian Ambassador Giutino Arpe- 
sani. a former leader of the Italian 
partisans, to tsilte the matter up with 
Foreign Minister Juan Bramuglia, 
who sa.id be would see what he could 
do. - . ■ 

The picture was in its 12th week 
at a local theatre doing solid busi- 



pictures independent of MPEA in- 
cluding 14 Hal Roach films and also- 
"C- ptain Fury," "One Million a C," 
"Maslc of Dijon," ."Shanghai Ges- 
ture," "Lost Honeymoon," "South- 
erner" and '^Fabulous Dorseys.'l - 

Kimort has announced that it has 
purdiased "The Dictator." "Mon- 
sieur VerdoHX," "Tt»,Be or Not To 
Be," "Ball of Kr^". ^'Stmdown" and 
"Foreign Cbnesponetewt" for « price 
reported td he laear $3g,000. 

GUI2AR GOINgItO 
m PIG PROmON 

MexicoOity, Dec. 2. 
Tito Guizar, Mcxicsm , cowboy 
troubadour, turns pic. producer when' 
he returns- from the states early 
in January. H.e*s completed plans 
to produce twd- pix a ,ye,ar in Mex- 
ico in assrfsiat'on v."?th Salvador' 
Eljzondo, production chief of Clasa 
Films. 

Guizar has played in several Mexi- 
can pix. He began that work 12 
years ago. He was t':ic vXax of the 
first pic to make Mex co inlerna- 
liona.'l.y known, "Alia en El Rancho 
Grande" ("Way Down on the Kancho 
Grande"), 



Trivate Eiterprise' 
SiMidd Go in London 



■ ■^'i;/:'^-,:,-I^nd0n,, Nov.\28i'" . 

^^Private Siterpiipse," a topical 
controversial iiidusiri^ play by St. 
John Ervine, preemed at the St. 
ness when the manager received an .T;;m«s theatre last Tuesday (25 >. 
anonymous but official phone- call ; Sijlciididly stcted and well te" 
demanding immediate witiidrawal of iceived, the piece looks to ha-ve Ita 
the 'flhn. .. even chance for success. ' 



i St. UavHa's n*w, Xnif«I(«r B«aaM 



Status of Banned Arg. Radio Stars 
Unchanged; Advertisers Snarled 



Montevideo, Nov. 2S. 4- 
In spite of all promises of an am- 
re"sty for Ai-gentina's banned radio 
stars, there has been no change in 
the situation which keeps them oS 
the'aif.' • ;■■ 

Ifegotiations to secure renewal of 
some of the canceled radio licenses 
had been undertaken by a prominent 
radio magazine owner, who is in 
league with, the all-powerful Senora 
de Perqn, He had assured many of 
the banned actdrs and c,ommentators 
that' they would get permission to go 
baclc to the air- early i,n Ngvenabcr, 
and 'many wei'e waiting to see what 



Nip Song-&-Dance Star, 
Takamine, in Film Debut 

' ■ . Tokyo, Nov, 25. 

■ Denjiro QJcochi, veteran Jap 
cinema star, draws the leading role 
as elderly ex-principal of a girl's 
high school in Shin Toho's latest 
production, "Kofuku e no Shotai" 
("Invitation, to Happiness"). Takalco 
Irie gets top femme billing. 

Pic will mark- debijt, of Hideko 
Takamine into dramatic roles. For- 
merly a song-and-dance-show fave, 



ter, who dies after an unsuccessful 
abortion (.legal ia. Japan). . 



pi-lee they wouj.d have to pay, either i she'll appear as a young . woman 
in. promises of electoral support, or woi-king hard to^ support her daugh 
some other quid-pro-quo. To date, ' 
however, nothing has materailized. 

• It was .hoped that the -reported 
deal -iVhereby a government syndi- 
cate had"purchased a majority hold- 
ing in the shares of Editorial Hajrnes, 
operators ' of 'Radio El' Mundo and 
the newspaper "El Mundo," wipuld 
lead to a return to the air of some 
of the . Mundo talent which has been 
banned s'ince the radio strilce of Oc- 
tober, 1946. But although the deal 
seems seti there has been no appar- 
ent change in the web's policy^ or 
in the treatment It receives at the 
hands of the Radio Control Board. 

The board applied a three -hour 
suspension against Radio- Belgrano, 
in which Senora de Peron is now re- 
puted to be a partner, for exfiessive 
commercial advertising included in 
its programs 



Argentine Film Prod. Is 
Stabilized Despite Big 
Rise in Costs, Sez Indie 

Argentine studio costs have' spurt- 
ed to four times prewar costs, indie 
film producer Maijuel ,Pen£> Rod- 
riguez deola.red in* N. '5?, Monday 
(1), Nevertheless, he addfd,!; prp^, 
duction costs in his oww ;eountry 
have not spiraled as much as in 
other Latin-American countries, no- 
tably Mexico. As a rfesult Argentine 
film-making is stabilized at present 

_^ _ to about 60-70 pictures annually 

In making' his'^eal i V'hile Mexican 'production Is still 



KSTEnNAViOiNAMs 



HVood Still Leads Mex 

Mexico City, Dec. 2. 

Unquestioned popularity of Ameri- 
can pix in Mexico is again demon- 
strated by the fact that of the 321 
pix released here this year' up to 
Oct. 31, Hollywood contributed 
Mexicans were a poor second with 
51, and the others were; Argentinian, 
32; British, 22; French, 'nine; Spanish 
"and Chilean, three each, and Italian 
and Cuban, one eaqh. , 

Last year, 79'> .]Vlexi,cVn;;piX. were 
released in Mexitf*. • , ^■^ 



with the. new partners, Jaime Yan 
kelevich, Radio Belgrano prexy, is 
believed to have promised them 
heavy profits, and to make good he. 
is having to overload his Web with 
commercial spots, over and above 
the amount allowed under the 
stringent government regulations. 
Insiders state that a clash between 
■ 'Yankelevich and his new partners 
will be inevitable sooner or. later, as 
they are determined to keep stWct 
tabs on all accounting. 

Radio advertisers are encounter- 
ing plenty of snags in their dealings 
with talent since the Labor Secre- 
tariat put into force the new statute 
for dramatic talent. This is con- 
siderably Increasing costs, as actors 
may not work more than six hours 
a -day and the rates of pay have been 
upped' at least 30%. Actors Union 



slumping. 

Essentially an agricultural coun- 
try,' Argentine has not felt the rise 
in living costs as sharply as has the 
U. S. and others.' This Rodriguez 
said, has helped to prevent labor un- 
rest at the studios. Even so, wages 
of manual workers such as carpen- 
ters and electricians have risen 100% 
over the prewar standard. 

Rodriguez planed in from Brazil 
following the world preem of his 
United Artists distributed Argentine 
film, "Mirad Los Lirios del Campo," 
recently held at Porto Alegre, Brazil. 
During hi.s New York stay the pro- 
ducer is huddling with UA home- 
office execs regarding the exploita- 
tion campaign for "Mirad" as well as 
discussing details oh four more films 
he's scheduled to deliver to UA be- 
tween now and Dec. 31, '4B. He plans 



is 'also stymying any doubling by I 5«'"™ t° Aires the end 

actors in each cast, in an effort to ] °^ ^"^ ^J^^'^, 
featherbed and create more openings 
for new talent. 

'All these snags notwithstanding, 
, advertisers are booking time on Ar- 
gentine radio as never before and 
1948 looks like § record year for the 
webs. ■ 



British Pix Situation 
Snafus 'Chris Columbus' 

London, Nov. 25. 

Due to Uncertainty of film situ- 
ation and high, cost of production, 
w'ijrk on "Christopher Columbus" 
has been teitiporarily postponed. 

The Gainsborough Pictures Tech- 
nicolor epic, based on the Rafael 
Sabatini book, w^ to have started 
next May at a q,qst of 'over a mil- 
lign dollars, with script now finished 
and being perused by Fredric 
March (who is to play title role) 
fo.i- approval. Florence Eidredge, 
his wife, was to have been featured. 



Davis, Collins To 
• Manage Aquarium 

London, Nov. 25, 

Reg fiavis and "Will Collins have 
joined the board of directors and 
take over active management of the 
Aquarium, Brighton,, as of Dec. 1. 

. Davis joined Collins, one' of old- 
est established agents in England, 
cpuple of years ago. Among the I Commandes Prado 



ajts they handle is Carroll Levis. 
Aquarium will run circus and con- 
cert parties, among other attrac- 
; tions, with deal involving $400,000, 



UA Five-Picture Deal 

This block! of pictures for UA 
incidentally, represents Rodriguez's 
initial step into independent produ- 
tion with his firm known as Sur 
Clnematograflea Argentina. Long 
the motion picture editor of Buenos 
Aires' TLa Nacion, he entered film- 
making in 1942 with "Juvenilia," 
which he made for Estiidios San 
Miguel. His current five-picture deal 
with.UA calls for the latter to handle 
distribution throughout LatinrAmer- 
ica with options for the balance of 
the'woVld. 

As, for remittances on earnings of 
American film.s in Argentina, Rod- 
riguez said that the government is 
making every effort to solve the 
100% freeze resuUin.? from the re- 
cent decision of the British Treasury 
forbidding conversion of pounds into 
dollars. "However," he added, "it's 
very hard to say just when an ad- 
justment will be made of the situa- 
tion." Argentina ha.s plenty of pounds 
gained from sales of wheat and beef 
to Britain, but' on the other hand 
ilack.s dollars which U. S. distribs de- 
mand for their films. 

Rodriguez also revealed he plans 
construction of a modern studio in 
Buenos Aires with building to gee 
under way in January or February. 
Plant wili^have at least two sound 
stages. Next on his UA production 
state is "Concierto Para Mano Iz- 
quierda" ("Concerto for the Left 
Hand") starring Jacob Ben-Ami; "El 
Malon," based upon the book by 
'Don Fernan- 



: Wee-Watlers for Mex 

Mexico City, Nov. 25. 

Permit.s have been granted by the 
Ministry of Communications' and 
Public Works for establishment and 
operation of 250- watt commercial 
Tadio stations in the important pro- 
Vmeial towns of Merida, capital of 
Yucatan state; Montemoreles, Nuevo 
Leon state, on the eastern Texas 
border, and Iguala, Guerrero State. 

Sii'riilar permits have been grant- 
ed for 26 AM stations in various 
parts of Mexico. 



dez/' comedy by Ivo Pelay; "La Vida 
de Fregoli," dealing with the memr 
oirs of the noted Italian, as well as 
several others. 



Prater's Ersatz Chaplin Back 
'Vienna, Nov 24. 

Hans Schwefel, the Charlie Chap- 
lin of the Prater, local amusement 
district, has returned home. Schwefel 
had to flee from Austria in March, 
1938, due to the Nazis. 

Schwefel was one of Chaplin's best 
imitators and the Fortuna Palace, a 
small but in the Prater, always did 
good business with him. He intends 
to go back on the job, when recon- 
struction of the Prater, which burnt 
down completely last year, is' &n- 
ished.- 



Force^lfaudelhto Pix 
Houses to Aid Talent 

Montevideo, -Nov, 25. 

GovernmentTControlled Syndicate 
of Entertainment Workers in Argen- 
tina' is again agitating to force ex- 
hibitors to include vaudeville turns 
in film performances, with purpose 
of extending employment among Ar- 
gentine entertainers. 

Exhibitors are anxious to avoid 
this, because they fear that film fans 
Will object. Exhibitors are enjoying 
a bonanza year, having grossed a 
total of $7,036,411 for the first six 
months of the year in Buenos Aires 
alone, and they state that the addi- 
tional cost . of ; paying, variety turns 
would be small in companisTon with 
other expenses. 

Syndicate has suggested that va- 
riety turns be skedded f or 11: 30 p.m., 
after the last screening of feature 
piXi The,, last show in fir.strrun 
BuenosisAires theatres starts at 10: 15 
and ' folds at midnight. Obligatory 
variety turns following the film 
would force exhibs to start at 
9:45 p,m. or perhaps earlier, and 
this wouldn't suit the habits of late- 
dining Argentjnos, who rarely dine 
before nine in the evening, and of ten 
muehi later,' ' 

Ten theatres througnout the coun- 
try have been shuttered recently by 
the. Entertainment -Board for in- 
fringement Of'' the - go.vernment-im- 
posed prot^fctipnist decree; forcing 
exhibitors -to show at leas.t' one local 
production a month at preferential 
percentages. Shuttered theatres 
were the Moderno, Eclair and Ar- 
menia in Buenos Aires; General-Pazi 
Avenida and Nuevo Cine Mundial, of 
Cordoba; Paris of La Plata, and 
Nueve de Julio, Majestic and Capi' 
tol of Tucumaln. 



Ecuador Goes for UJS. Action Uns But 
Mex Gets Half Play Time With 19% Pix 



Jap Dancing Girls Sub 
For USO-Camp Shows 

Tokyo, Nov. 25. 

With the discontinuation of USO- 
Camp Shows overseas, Jap shows are 
getting top billing at GI entertain- 
ment centers. Favorites are the 
Takarazuka dancing girls, who were- 
so popular with Jap public before 
the war that a million-dollar theatre 
was built solely for their shows, 

Natsuko Fukamidori and Nishiki 
Kamiyo are stars of the femme 
troupe. , 



Pascal Back in Dublin 
For Production Talks 

Dublin, Nov. 28. 

After an absence of .several weeks 
Gabriel Pascal returned here for 
business tallcs with directors of his 
new company,- Irish productions. 
They are Joseph Mc'Grath, promi- 
nent racehorse owner and prexy of 
Irish; Hospitals' Sweepstake organ- 
ization, reportedly one of the richest 
men in Ireland; Arthur Cox, well- 
knowir solicitor, and Dari Breen, a' 
member of de Valera's party in the 
Dail (House" of Representatives). 

Pascal declined to comment qp the 
nature of the talks and oflEeted no 
information on his reported plans 
for the company to film Bernard 
Shaw's "Androeles' and the Lion" 
and a story about St. Francis of 
Assist. 



Mex Vaude Houses In 
Combo to Set Pay Top, 
Cut Out Competition 

Mexico City, Dec. 2, 
Operators of the four leading 
vaude theatres here-^Teatres Lirico, 
Follies Berger€S, Iris ' and. Tivoli— 
have formed a » combo to eliminate 
competition between the houses, 
place a ceiling on pay demands of 
Star players, and restrain coin de- 
mands of theatre help. 

Combo doesp't please the Labor 
Ministry, which . considers it a mo- 
nopoly, "the Mexican constitution 
bans monopolies of any kind;. But 
the impresarios claim the combo is' 
the only way to keep their theatres 
open. ' . .' . . • ' 

Lirico is commanding the highest 
vaude 'top in town $1.60 (U. S.')> ivith 
Josephine Baker headlining. She's 
supported by Jo Bouillon and his 
Orch of 25. Iris' top is $1.20 (U. SO, 
with Dick & Biondy, American com- 
ics, and Mexican, toppers Medel and 
Rosita Femes. But ; the Follies can 
only get $1' (U. S.) iop with Agustin 
Lara, top song writer and band, and 
Tona la Negra, vet songstress. • 



Current London Shows ^ 

London. Dec. 2. ' 
(Figure shows weeks of run) 
"All Over Town," Playhouse (6). 
"Anna Lucasta," Majesty's (5). . 
"Annie Get GUn," COl'sm (26)." 
"Bless the Bride," Adelphi (32). 
"CanaHe^ Sing," Garrick (2). 
"Chiltern Hundreds," Vaude (14). 
"Crime of Foley," Comedy (21 ). 
"Dr. Angelus," Phoenix (18). 
"Edward My Son," Lyric (27).. 
'<Fin)slin's Rainbow," Palace (7). 
"Fly Away Peter," Fortune (17). 
"Gin Quite," St. Martin's (15). 
"Here There," Palladium (35). 
"Honor & Obey," Saville (2). 
"Life With Father," Savoy (26). 
"Linden Tree," Duchess (16). 
"Never Can Tell," Wynd. (9). 
"Off Record," Piccadilly (27). 
"Oklahoma!", Drury Lane C31). 
"One, TWO, Three," Yorks (12). 
"Outrageous," W. Garden (3). 
"Peace Our Time," Aldw'h (17). 
"Piccadilly Hayrlde," Wales (38). 
"Present Laushter," H'ym'kt (33). 
"PTivate Ent.", St. James (2). 
"StarliBht Bo«f,» Hipp. (4). 
"Sweetest l.oweat>" Ambsss, (83). 
"Together Again," Vic Pal. (33). 
"tupj^euce," Globe (8). 
"Warm's View," Whitehall (31). 



PERON-BANNEP STAR 
ON AIR IN URUGUAY 

' Montevideo, Nov. 25. 

Nini Marshall, Argentina's top- 
ranking radio co>nedienne and film 
actress, has just completed a series 
of broadcasts .over Radio Carve, in 
Montevideo, sponsored by Optimo 
cooking, oil; 

This is her first radio, stint since 
the June 1343 revolution set the 
Peron regime in power in Argen- 
tina, when she was banned from the 
Argentine air-waves, under tlie 
charge of "deforming" the Argen- 
tine language with lier colloquial- 
isms and witticisms. She proved a 
sock turn in Uruguayan- radio and 
it's believed many Argentine .sets 
were tuned in to tJt^ Uruguayan 
wave-lengths when she was "on the 
air. 

Once the Circuito- CMQ'S *hew" stu- 
dios are ready for inauguration xin- 
Havana, Miss Marshall is due in 
Cuba for radio programs, for which 
she inked a deal two years ago. She 
is also reported mulling offers from 
Mexican studios to make a '^series 
of pix at the rate of $37,aj(> eaclb, 
plus the right to approve ner "own 
scripts.- There is> ia chance that she 
might be- teamed with Cantinflas 
(Mario Moreno), Mexico's star 
comedian. * ' 



Burnside, Seidelman 
Glom Arg. for Eagle Lion 

Buenos Aires, Nov. 25. : 
William II. Burnside, Eagle Lion 
rep, is currently in Buenos Aires, 
probing possibilities of maWng dual 
pix in Englisl) and Spanish in Argen- 
tina. Lower production costs in B.A. 
are attracting foreign coin, and the 
Eagle Lion blueprint includes mak- 
ing pix in Argentina at a cost around 
$200,0001 importing British stars and 
taking on Anglo-Argentines who are 
bilingual.- 

Tim Durant, Charles Chaplin's 
agent, is mulling over deals to hire 
local studios, in which to make three 
bilingual pix with coin put up by 
Chaplin. Victor McLaglen and 
George Sanders are slated to star in 
the Chaplin productions. 

Sam Seidelman, director of ESagle 
Lion's foreign department, is also 
in B.A. and together with Burnside 
will try and iron out the kinks slow- 
ing up exhibition of "Henry V/VherB. 
They will also set up an or^niza- 
tion for distribution of Eagle Lion 
pix in'Ar|!entina< - ' 



■ Washington, Dec. 2. i 
Ecuadorans like U.S. action films 
but dislike having our pictures 
dubbed, according to a survey of th* 
market in that country just released 
by. the Department of Commerce. 
The study shows that while we' send 
in about 75% of all the pix sci-eened 
in' the 'country, the Mexicans get 
about half of the total jE>laying time 
on slightly under 19% of the pic- 
tures. ■ ,.' 

Generally speaking, outside of the 
cities there are virtually no theatres 
because the population is too poor 
to pay the tab, The survey declares 
in part: 

"There were 71 motion picture the- 
tre,s in Ecuador on June 11, '47. The 
total seating capacity was 72,970. 
Local distributors estimate the 
weekly theatre attendance at 150,000. 

"Action films are the most popular 
type. In this connection jungle 
films enjoy phenomenal popularity, 
as do some westerns. Comedy is 
popular, provided that it is not too 
subtle; for the Ecuadoran audience is 
not a sophisticated one. Musicals in 
color also enjoy considerable .popu- 
larity, ' particularly if they include 
some Latin American music. 

"Propaganda films, or those which 
may be considered by Ecuadorans as 
designed to present U. S. life in 
overly glowing terms, are frequently 
sharply criticised, even though films 
ot the same type made by Argentine 
or Mexican producers may be fairly 
well received. • Films depicting the; 
late war are not now popular. 
Dubbed Films Disliked 

"Outstanding criticisms against 
U. S. films from the viewpoint of 
the public were directed against 
'dubbed' films, propaganda films, 
films , depicting cafe society, and 
films which : were considered 'over 
the public's : head;' ' From the view- 
point of censorship, the types of 
films usually censored are films por- 
traying divorce" and . unfaithfulness 
in m'arriage; films portraying crime, 
particularly crimes of violence and 
gangsterism, and- 'films depicting la- 
bor trouble, particularly where such 
troubles involve strikes and violence. 
- "In gene;:al,' • dubbed films are 
poorly rec'eivied-.by Ecuadoran audi- 
e'nce§ -.They feel that the tone, man- 
ner, and inflection ot dialogue, even 
if the words are not, generally under- 
stood, convey, a feeling of the actor's 
personality. .Even when dubbing is 
well done. Which is not always the 
case, the njovement of the actor's 
lips does not correspond with the 
words heard from the sound tracfe, 
thus emphasizing the separation of 
the screen image from the voice and 
contributing to a loss of reality in 
the picture as a whole." 



Joint British Council To 
1 Production Crisis 

l,ondon, Nov. 28. 
' Urgent talks tire 'taking place be- 
tween ' the . Board of Trade and 
Treasury . to ease the monopolistic 
tendency in. British production and 
provide»exhibitorS;With an increased 
flow of new British films through a 
greater number of distrib houses. 

"Harold "Wilsdn,' president of the 
Board- of Trade,' at"- a joint Conteri 
ence with British Film Producers 
Assn. and delegates of Film Indus- 
try Employees Council, stated that 
production crisis plans call for the 
setting up of a national joint film 
production council to which all pro- 
duction bodies, employers and unions 
will send delegates. Wilson will be 
permanent ' chairman, -and " ctfuAcil'st 
aim will be . "to .keep under review 
by the industry and the government 
the' mea.sures being taken tt^ipjcomote 
the fullest and best use Of available 
film production resources^ 

Board' Of Trade prexy is to call a 
meeting of U. S. production com- 
panies' who are not represented b^ 
BFPA. At this meeting he will asK 
U. S. -delegates why their Britisli 
studio space is not being put to luU. 
use and what their production -plaiist 
are for 1948. 



MEX BADIO STBIKE BAIKEB 

Mexico City, Dec. 2. 

Labor Ministry has headed oif -tha 
strike against all local radio stations 
which organized musicians and an- 
nouncers had planned to enforc* 
demands for a 50% pay hike and 
shorter hours. 

Ministry induced the workers to 
sit in on tallcs at its offices 'with th« 
stations' chiefs. - < 



i6 



Lesser-Poe's New Org. to Rqiresent 
Indie Prodneers East and Aboad 



N«w outfit, to represent indie pro-' 
Queers on a much bcoader scope ot 
activities than their eastern sales 
reps have done In the past, has been 
set up by Irving Lesser and Seymour 
Poe. Lesser is lormer managing di- 
rector of the Roxy theatre, N. Y., 
and Poe, iormerly a Upited Artists 
h«.,exec, is eastern rep of Sol Lesser 
Productions. 

New organiscation, Producers Sep- 
resentatives, Inc., will have aflillated 
witti it Prodjicers Representatives 
International to handle the film- 
malcers' foreign problems. Lesser is 
prez and Poe treasurer of both com- 
panies, with David E. Griffiths v.p, 
of the International. He'll head- 
quarter in London, where for many 
years he was managing diffector of 
Warner Bros. - First National and 
irrove recently has been representing 
American indies. He's' also former 
prez of the Kinematograph Renters 
Society, which includes toppers of all 
British and American distribs in 
England. 

PR will represent Edward G. Rob- 
jin^on's Thalia Productions; the Frank 
Melford-Julian Lesser unit, Windsor 
Pictures, and Sol Lesser Productions. 
Robinson's outfit is preparing "Har- 
ness BulV tlie story of a New York 
cop, for United Artists release. Wind-; 
sor own rights to . the Gene Strat- 
ton-Porter stories, which it will film 
for Monogram. First will be '''Girl of 
the Limberlost.*' Sol Lesser makes 
the "Tarzan" series for RKO and 
'also has a UA distribution contract 
Other Services 
In addition to the usual services 
afkd the international setup, PR also 
is- offering aid to' indies in the all- 
important ' matter of obtaining pro- 
duction financing, and has adjuncts 
for auditing, tax consultant and legal 

services. n 

.Affiliated with it for latter pur- 
poses are Benjamin W. Solomon', 
CPA, who has long been auditor and 
tax consultant, for Frank Capra, Ed' 
wsrd Small, Lesser, and others, and 
Btnest Wilkinson, Washington cos- 
poKaie attorney and specialist ' in 
matters pertaining to Government 
agencic!;. He was formerly with the 
New York firm of Dwight, Harris^ 
Koegel & Gaskey, who rep 20th-Fox. 

Outfit in the domestic field Awill 
analyze and pass on exhibition, 
contracts, supervise ad and pub-- 
licity budgets and campaigns, super- 
vise key engagements and .contact 
branches of the producer's distrib. It 
plans to go in heavily abroad for ad- 
vice on selUng rights, converting cur- 
rencies, tarilfs, political restrictions, 
etc. 

Lesser, before going with the Roxy, 
'; ; was v.p. in charge for Principai-Pic- 
tures and operated theatre circuits. 
.I*oe was with UA for 10 years, at 
various times in charge of 'sales pTo^. 
motion; exec assistant to eastern and 
wesjtem division managdrs and han- 
'dting west coast circuit :sales. Since 
1942 he has been, rep -for Lesser, 
Loew-Lewin and Andrew Stone. 



Chevalier 

Continued from pace 3 



fans were under the general impres- 
sion that one version had English 
dialog even though- it was well-a'd- 
vertised that Chevalier's commentary 
was' the only English in the picture. 
Exhibs agr'ee on basis of this test 
that English-speaking ilhngoers seent 
to prefer the old lormula of sub- 
titling or dubbhig to inserted narra- 
tion. 



Anglo-UiS. Film Impasse 
Stymies Korda Producer 
Floating Loan in the U.S. 

' British government's policy of dis- 
couraging loans from hard currency 
countries has resulted in .the indef- 
inite postponement of The Archers' 
"Promotion Of the Admiral." Budg- 
eted at $1,500,000, the picture^ was 
slated as Michael Powell and Emeric 
Pressburger's first film for Sir Alex- 
ander Korda's British Lion under a 
recent distribution deal. 
■ Pressburger, in the U. S. for the 
past . montht had planned to make 
some 15% of "Admiral" on location'f" 
in and around San Francisco^ if fir 
nancing could have been arranged 
in this, cojintry. Before sailing on the 
Queen Mary last week the British 
producer declared the British Treas- 
ury's attitude made it unwise to 
seek partial financing for the film in 
America: 20th-FoXi it is understood, 
was a possible coin source. . 

■Clarifying his pact- with Korda, 
Pressburger said The Archers' agree- 
ment With the British indie was on a 
single-picture basis, an arrangement 
similar to that his firm had with 
Rank prior to switching to British 
Lion. Originally "Admiral" was to 
have rolled late' in April. "Burmese 
Silver," another iwssibility • on The 
Archers' schedule f os.Karda, has also 
been tempcirarily shelved due to the 
current unrest in India. 

While Pressburger was inttsuccess- 
ful in his financing mission, he at 
least won a reclassification of The 
Archers' CBank - distributed) "Black 
Narcissus." Producer brought over' a 
different ending for the film which 
resulted' in .the ]l«gion of Decency 
lifting its .0 ' (condemned) rating In 
A2 (unobjectionable for adults.) 



Join M*G St. See World 

■ IpdicB^ttg the crowded condi- 
tioni in Kew York'* hotels today, 
Metro waf forced to book Itji 
current division sales managers' 
meet into Jour different roomi 
at the Hotel Aster, 

Teeoff session was held yester- 
day (Tuesday) in the hotel's 
Coral Room. To-day's meet is 
scheduled for the South Garden 
and tomorrow's session will be 
held in tjhe College Room, Con- 
clave winds up Friday (fl) with 
a meet in the Yacht Room. 



EJoel Be^ahler 
qeatinued' trom pafc .5 wm 

releases. Metro's release roster is al- 
ready set through the end of Feb- 
ruary. , , ■ • 
Fact that Rodgers set "down to 
brass tacks" as the meet's keynote 
indicates the divisional sales chiefs 
are being briefed on the importance 
of building the domestic film market 
at .much as possible. Rodgers has al- 
ready ruled against increased ad- , 
mission prices for top Metro pic- 
tures and the company is still sell- 
ing the- majority of its atcounts on 
a sliding, scale percentage basis. 
'Division managers wiU probably be , 
told,, consequently, to seek increased 
playing time pn all product when- 
ever possible as. the- best . alterna- 
tive. ■ - 

buring the'' remaining three days 
of the meet, the field managers and 
their I assistantia wiU be briefed on 
all 'Pliases of sales and branch op- 
erations. Conclave is schedujed to 
conclude Friday (5) with individual, 
sessions conducted by assistant sales-^ 
managers Saundera and Aarpn, And 
Jay. Eisenberg, Uaifion between 
Metro'S' SaJes and legal , departments. 

In addition to the five division 
sales heads ' and their field assistants, 
the meet is al^o being attended by 
homeoffice assistants and other 
homcoffice execs. Slated to speak 
to the sales chiefs are; members of 
the homeoffice publicity staff, in- 
cluding vcepee Howard Dietz,. plus 
Si Seadler and William R, Ferguson; 
exhibitor relations chief H. M. 
Richey and M. L. Simons, his as- 
sistant, aiid' industrial relations chief 
Charles D. O'Brien. 



IKstribs km It's the Ediibs Who 
Pressure the Issue of Gearances 



R IRIV WINS ON TEST 
TOCUTSOeBOdTHIKN 

RivoU, N. -Y.,. last week came up 
Victor in a long^runtting legal battle 
niih. two men^bers of New York 
projectionists' Local 306 when a 
municipal court jury dumped the 
latter's claim for $2,000 damai^s. In 
so doing, jury decided that plaintiffs 
Joseph Edelstein and Jack Kaplan 
had no ground for grievance because 
thei Uiv let them go when it was 
•witching from a grind to a two-per- 
day policy. 

Dispute, which was something of a 
cause celebre In its day, arose in 
July, 1943.: Broadway showcase then 
had opened Paramount's "For Whom 
the Bell^lTolls" and as. a result re- 
duced its 11 booth operators by lour. 
Quartet was dropped on the basis of 
seniority and the question raised 
was whether the theatre had that 
right under its collective gargaining 
pact with 308. 

During last week's trial before 
Justice Charles A. Curtin and. a jury, 
both Mont« fiahnon,' Itivoli's man- 
ager, and Robart M. Weltman, man- 
aging director »t ih* Paramount 
theatre (N. Y,) testified. They sue 
cessfuUy contended that the pact 
save the house the privilege to cut 
down projectionists in a. change of 
•policy. 

George Raftery, of O'Brien, Dris- 
ciill, Baftery & Lawler, handled the 
trial chores for the BivoU. 



N.Y. PROJECTIONISTS 
SET TO OK m TILT 

Some of the last remaining ob- 
stacles on way to a settlement were 
cut through at a special negotiations 
meeting yesterday (Tuesday) be- 
tween projectionists Local 306 and 
circuits reps of 20th-Fox, Loew's, 
RKO, Warner and Universal With 
the circuits already on record ior a 
10% wage hike, . gap between the 
uni9n demand and company offer 
has nanwed down . considerably 
and- iiocal' 306 prez Herman Gelber 
is expected to igk - a compromise 
pact at an early <i!ite. 

Union contract, which has been in 
th* works lor over six months, will 
cover StiO boothmen m about 200 
New York metropolitan theatres. 
Agreement on practically all points 
was attained . through the personal 
intervention of Richard . F. Walsh, 
prez of the*',International. .Alliance 
of Theatrical Stage Employees. 

ProjectioniiBts in 25 FWC 
Theatres Back to Work 

IiOf AngeleSr-Dec. 2. 
Motion' picture projectionists went 
'back to work in 25 Fox West Coast 
theatres at the behest ot Richard 
Walsh, lATSE president. They had 
walked out four weeks ago during 
ah. argument over pay rates for 
projecting the 20thTFox picture, 
"Forever Amber," in neighborhood 
houses. 

. Motion Picture Operators, , Local 
IS, was ordered to resume negotia' 
tions on a xiew contract with circuits 
and independent theatres. Talks 
were renewed yesterday (Mon.), 
with Carl Cooper, lATSE veepee, 
representing the local. 



I Cagfley's 'Life* || 

liajBaH; continued from pace S'sssaaa 

the Cagneys' next two films. With 
the studio providing the financing 
and sharing in the profit. The 
brothers left WB to go to UA with 
their own indie company att^t win*- 
ning a suit against the company for 
their independence. Because of the 
le^l difficulties between them, War- 
ners has not reissued the Jimmy 
Cagney - starrer, " "Yankee Doodle 
Dandy." It's pres.uraed that the new 
agreement carries a written or tacit 
arrangemen,t lor re-release of the 
George M. Cohan biog. 

Two films lined up under the new; 
agreement are "The Stray Lamb,"^ 
based on a bestseller by Thome 
Smith, and "A Lion Is Jn the 
Streets," to be reconstructed from a 
nO'vel by Adria Locke Langley. 

Return of the Cagneys to Burbank 
is a powerful -addition to the ranks 
of indies releasing under the j ban- 
ner of Warners. Durmg his previ- 
oi!fr stay on that lot Jimmy starred 
in a number of top productions, in- 
cluding "The Strawberry Blonde," 
'City for Conquest," "The Bride 
Came C.O.D.," "Captams ol the 
Clouds,". "The Roaring Twenties" 
and "Yankee Dood]« Dandy." 



TDf HOLT'S BODEO lOUS 

Hollywood, Dec. 2, 
Tim Holt, who recently bought 
into a rodeo, will open his first tour 
next April with 14 performances in 
Nashville. 
. Proceeds will be used to build 
summer camp lor> boys, ' 



Connors-EL 

gjH Continue* from pile 9 bb 

biggies are also beina[ considered 
lor the post, it's understood. 

Connors' negotiations have stum- 
bled pn, two obstacles.- First, EL 
won't' agree to compensation terms 
asked by Connors. Second, Connors 
hasn't been able to win a deal from 
20th to settle Ms five-year advisory 
retention under which he gets 
$1,000 weekly. He'd like a cash set- 
tlement instead. Any new deal with- 
out 20th's consent would mean for- 
lelture of his paychecks Irom that 
company. 

2 M-G Bqfgies Into Cap 
And Music Hall Early To 
Bolster Pre-%nas Biz 

Metro is conducting a novel ex- 
periment this season by booking its 
t-wo bi( 'holiday attractions into 
Broadway houses' more than three 
weeks belore Christmas. With other 
companies holding their big pictures 
until Christmas to make icertain of 
the holiday crowds, Metro hopes to. 
negate the usual pre-holiday box'', 
oftice slump by grabbing off some 
of - the tourist and •shopping: trade 
that jams Manhattan's downtown 
streets each December, 

Two 'films are "This Time lor 
Keeps" and ."Good News," both 
Techidcoloc musicals. Latter tees 
oS^ tomorrow (Thursday) at Radio 
City Music Hall, replacing "Cass 
Timberlane." Although biz. on 
"Timberlane" is not up to expectar 
tions, Metro claims it could have 
stayed in the HaU since it's still 
grossing well over the control fig- 
ure. 

"Keeps" opens the same day at 
the Capitol, with Marilyn Maxwell 
and the Paul Whiteman orch head- 
ing the stagebill. In this case, 
Metro sales officials concede it was 
hecessary to' book a new film into 
the house, since the combination of 
Frank Sinatra on the stage and *'Her 
Husband's Affairs" (Columbia) on 
the screen didnt' gross what was 
expected,' hence only 'three weeks. 



m DEMANDS TO BE 
DECIDED BY ITOASC 

Hollywood; Dec. 2. 

Wage increase demands approxi- 
mating 32% are all that are left to 
be decided after reps of Independ- 
ent ' Theatre Owners of Southern 
California and Moving Picture Op-^ 
eratoijs local 150, lATSE, agreed on 
all working conditions following a 
two-hour, session. 

Among the new working condi- 
tions okayed, is a clause covering 
all-night theatre operation, payment 
of studio scales when theatre pro- 
j<§ctionist is employed by producer 
lor rushes, roadshow clause giving 
increased scales and permitting 
transfer Irom one theatre to an- 
other only through mutual consent, 

Pactecovers one year period from 
yesterday (1), plus time and halt lor 
overtime. . . Negotiations with malor 
theatre circuits, long stalemated, re- 
opened yesterday. 0emands are 
similar to those agreed on by indie 
members ol ITOASC; same wage 
scale increase is asked. Huddles on 
wage clauses with ITOASC are due 
later. 



That old major eompany argument 
tlhat exhibs, not distribs, set a uni. 
form pattern of clearances has coma 
home to roost again with the prob* 
abilities that the U. S. Supreme 
Court will hear plenty on the 'Subject 
when the Government anti-trust 
suit appeal comes up the week of 
Jaii. 12. Flood pf fresh evidence 
that distribs were .right in contend- 
ing that uniform clearances are not 
results of monopoly have cropped 
up, sales toppers f^, Irom the re- 
cent drive to Slash dead time - be* 
tween playdates. 

The three- judge statutory '' court 
that handed down the decree now in 
operation scouted distrib conten- 
tions and used the uniform clear- 
ances >)s prime proof that the ma- 
jors had conspired to fix runs, and 
dates. Court couldn't see how each 
company could possibly have 
reacted the same clearance for 
each house -without some under- 
cover understandings aiid said so. 
But legalites now think wliat's oc- 
curred in the past , lew months will 
be -valuable verification of their 
argument. ; 

Here's what is occurring now, ac- 
cording' to sales toppers. One of the 
crusading distribs will wanjjie a 
slash^ in clearance time between a 
first-run and second-run house on 
tlie ground that the spacing is un- 
ne^cessarily excessive. - Second-run, 
along With the distrib, is the bene- 
ficiary and, naturally likes it. R, in 
turn, begins to insist that other ma- 
jors-cut their tune by a similar. n.ura'< 
ber ol days* 

Instenecs . - 

Flock ol incidents have already 
come up in Cincinnati, Cleveland, 
Mil\vaukee and other towns where 
the second or stibsequent run has re- 
lused to book another major's pie 
unless a parallel clearance is grant- 
ed. Exhib sees no reason why h« 
should follow a deluxer by 30 days 
whe^ buying from one distrib and 
then trail the same deluxer by -49 
days when he deals with another 
distrib. Hence, the clearances are 
inevitably settling to the lowest 
common denominator. 

The big push inaugurated by Uni- 
versal, Paramount, 20th-Fox, et al, 
to slice clearances where unreason- 
able, are therefore resulting in a 
pattern down the line. Individual 
negotiations by individual compa-< 
nies, notwithstanding, exhib insist- 
ence on a bargain caii only mean 
identical systems among the ma- 
jors, it's said, and the decree's bans 
can't change the results. 

Legalites say they're not going to 
miss the opportunities of pointing 
out the process to the high court. 
Trial briefs of the eight majors in 
the «ourt below went lengthily into 
the history of the film biz and made 
the- same contention then. The' new 
evidence; Ifs thought, way be the 
clincher. ; . 



Wallis 

Continued from pate 1 

recorded by Decca. Miss Fletcher 
has scripted the story for Wallis and 
is now rewriting it into novel form 
for publication by Random House. 

Second picture into production, 
slated lia Februai:'^, will be "Be Still 
My Love" and the third, "House of 
Mist." Both are being cast now. In 
the meantime, unit's ninth film has 
been set for release Jan. 15 and 
opens at the Paramount, N. Y., the 
previous day. It is "I Walk AJone" 
with Lizabeth Scott and Burt Lan- 
caster. 

Wallis and Hazen entered into the 
deal with Paramount Sept. 1, 1944. 
■They have done all their own financ- 
iug 'Ou the films -via a revolving bank 
credit. 



Zack Scotts' N.Y. Vacash 
More WB Loanout to EL 

In line with a relaxed policy of 
most studios toward permitting con- 
tract players to make outside films, 
Warners' Zachary Scott has just 
completed "Prelude to Night" lor 
Arthur Lyons' Producing Artists 
Corp. Eagle Lion will distribute. 
Title is a tentative one as the picture 
may be released as "Dangerous Illu- 
sion." 

With a short respite between film 
chores, Scott trained into New York 
last week, accompanied by his wife, 
lor a three- weeks Gotham vacation, 
before returning to their Hollywood 
home for Christmas with their 12- 
year-old daughter. Scott's other out 
side film was UA's "The Southerner" 
in which he co-starred with Bettv 
i'ield. His Warner pact still has a 
couple years to go. 



C Purge Parleys 
i Continued from page 5 ■ ■ 

of a formula to meet the purge issue, 
but no definite plan was adopted. 
The B.DG board also met to probe 
its rights under its basic contract 
with the producers. A continUatioa 
of the huddle was slated for tonight, 
,«t which time, it Is believed, adop- 
tion of common policy araoWg the 
three guilds will be discussed. The 
SWG board is also scheduled to 
meet tonight. 

Meantime, the producers' c»mmit- 
tee, chalrmanned by Mayer, held a 
three-and-qne-half-hour session this 
morning. Discussion centered around 
possible means ol ridding the indus- 
try of the known Commies. Present 
were Henry Ginsberg and Waiter 
Wanger, who are members ol th* 
committee; N. Peter Rathvon, sub- 
stituting for Dore Schary (en route 
from N. Y.), and attorneys Maurice 
Benjamin, Mendel Silbeiberg and' 
Alfred Wright. Eric Jdhnston, Mo- 
iion Picture Assn. proxy, was repre- 
sented by Edward L. Cheyfitz, his 
assistant. 



Industry's $885,134 to L. A. Chest 
Hollywood, Dec, 2. 

Motion Picture Industry's Perma- 
nent Charities Committee has al- 
located a total of $585,134 to the Los 
Angeles Community Chest drive. 

This amount is second on the list 
of donations to the Chest. It is pre- 
ceded only by the Los Angeles in- 
dustrial division.' . 



WARNER BROS'. ^ TRADE SHOWINGS OF 

ROBERI HUnON • JOYCE REYNOLDS 

"ALWAYS TOGETHER" 

with Cecil Keilaway • Ernest Truex 

Directed by FREDERICK DE CORDOVA • Produced by ALEX GOHLIEB 

Screen Play by PHOEBE & HENRY EPHRON and I.A.L. DIAMONP • Music by WERNER HEYMANN 

Monday, DEC. istK 1947 



CITY 


PLACE OF SHOWING 


ADDRESS 


TIME 


AltMuiy 


Warner Screening Room 


79 N. Pearl St. 


12:30 P,M. 


Adanta 


20th Century-Fox Sc.' Rm. 


197 Walton St. N.W. 


2;3QPJ!^, 


Boston 


' RKO Screening Room 


122 Arlington St. 


2:30 P,M. 


Buffalo 


Paramount Sc. Room 


464 Franklin Street 


2:00 P.M. 


Charlotte 


20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


308 S. Church St. 


10:00 A.M. 


Chicago 


Warner. Screening Room 


' 1307 So. Wabash Ave. 


1:30 P.M. 


Cincmnad 


RKO Screening Room 


Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th 


8:(K)P.M. 


Cleveland 


Warner Screening Room 


2300 Payne Avei 


2:00 P.M. 


Dallas 


. 20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


1803 Wood St. 


10:00A.M. 


Denver 


Paramount Sc.. Room 


2100 Stout St. 


2:00 P.M. 


De» Moines 


20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


1300 High St. 


. 12:45 P.M, , 


Detroit 


Film Exchange Bldg. 


2310 Cass Ave. 


2:00 P.M. 


Indianapolis 


Universal Sc. Room ■ 


517 No. Illinois St. 


1:00 P.M. 


Kansas City 


20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


1720 Wyandotte St. 


1:30 P,M. 


Los Angeles 


Warner Screening Room 


' 2025 S. Vermont Ave. 


2:00 P.M. 


Memphis 


20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


15l Vance Ave. 


10:00 A.M.^ 


Milwaukee 


Warner Th. Sc. Rm. " 


212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 


2:00 P.M. 


Minneapolis 


Warner Screening Room 


1000 Currie Ave, 


2:00 P.M. 


New Haven 


Warner Th. Proj. Rm. 


70 College St, - 


2:00 P.M. 


New Orleans 


20di Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


200 S. Liberty St. 


1:3b P.M. 


,.New. Yorl^ 


Home Office 


321 W. 44th St. 


2:30 P.M. 


Oklahoma 


20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


10 North Lee St. 




Omaha 


/ 2Qth Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 


1502 Davenport St. 


1:00 P.M. 


Philadelphia 


Warner Screening Room 


230 No. 13th St. 


2:30 P.M. 


Pittsburgh 


20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm, 


1715 Blvd. of Allies 


1:30 P.M. 


Portland 


Jewel Box Sc. Room 


1947 N.W. Kearney St. . 


2:00 P.M. 


Salt Lake ' 


20th Century-Fox Sc* Rm. 


216'East 1st South 


2:00 P.M. 


San Francisco 


Republic Sc. Room 


221 Golden Gate Ave. 


1:30 P.M. 


Seattle 


Jewel Box Sc. Room 


2318 Second Ave. 


10:30 A.M, 


St. Louis 


S'renco Sc. Room 


3143 Olive St, 


, 1:00 P.M. 


Washington 


Earie Th. Bldg. 


13th 8C E Sts. N,W. 


10:30A,M. 



18 



PICTIJRiiS 



W<!d|i«e4ay» OecMoIn^r 3, 1947 



Amortization of Costly 4Hctiir«s 
BroH^t RKO's 3d Quarter Down 



tt^g\\ pi'oduetion costs and some" 
pix caught up with HKO dur- 
ing its third quarter when the tCom- 
pany'a distribution wing, for the 
llrst time since the outbreak ol tlie 
■war, actually t^rated in. the red, 
lfi| been learned since RKO'a fttMtn- 
ctiA report was issued last week, 
•Jn^t condition has been corrected 
since, it's said, and the sales dept. 
is now turning in a profit ^igain. 
But RKO's entire third-quarter 
operating net of $1,228,109 (before 
adding $3,158,913 take for sale of its 
newsreel company) came from the 
company's 101 thfetres; 

Keturns on rentals during the 
three-month stretch, it's understood, 
pipped «s. much as Sji%-40%,- suffi- 
cient -tO' drive the total below the 
proflt level because several costly 
though unremunei-ative pix were 
being amortized. Among these were 
*'A Woman on the Beach" and 
"Bffagic Town," both of which failed 
■to. pay oft on their boxSJfflce 
promise'.' / '• 'i ' 

..JDuring the same period", "RKOV 
theatre net slid off some 2Si%, 
Grosses were not off as much tcom- 
. pai-ed to last year), but operating 
costs of .houses have risen some- 
what since 1946. The dip meant, of 
course, diminished though still sub- 
stantial profits from the company's 
theatres. However, since distribu- 
tiosf sets a «ooa part of its rtturn 
o<5 the toji, the 20% slide for the- 
Atm teocked otf 40%, so far as 
■ dlstrib rentals were conceriie*,- 
XJnder RKO's system, of ^.amortiz- 
ing its films, coiit of pix aren't 
. charged to distribution until- the 
feature is actually released. At that 
time, basing, on the average, grossing, 
of the ywr before, percentage of thcs- 
co,st is-imocated weekly jagainst the 
profits Of the film. W}ier|,,as B> the' 
third <luartcr, costly but weak gross- 
ing films wpie releE(sed, amortiza- 
tion and operating cliatges overbal- 
anced receipts. 

Operating profits • were down 
■almost 75% from last year's take iif 
Jf4,'i'26,560 before t:txes' ai}d;coiitm» 
£encies.' In 1946, exhibition ari'a .dls- 
tiibution wings contrilftited'^apptax- 
imately 50-50 to the tHfen Teccird 
.take. Which means , the . theatre 
• tnranch of RKO during the 13 weeks 
ended Sept. 27, 1947 made^ up 
deficit of some $GOO,OOO.of the sales 
dept. before contributing- the bal- 
imee .as the c^pmpaay's profits for 
the period. « 



Kelly-Rink 

continued from pkRC > i 



1,000,OQ» poondi (♦4,q<HJ,Wo) if s*»t 
volved. 1 , . 

The Loadon Times- lUid London 
Fiisaacial ^imes ^th wese critijjal, 
adviainf sttoekboldens to seek full Inr 
llomatiiin,' incJadiniC:* GCF consoli- 
dated balance sheet. The new setup 
would give Odeon control of General 
Film Distributors, Gaumont-British 
and all other Rapk subsids. 

Interested as well as UA is 20th- 
Pox, Which hOWs • considerate 
share of G-B. 

Kelly will also look into the other 
matters, particularly efforts to get 
further playing time for UJ^ product 
on Hank's circuits. . * 

Par Expects Exhibs' 
Co-op M Not Offset 
To Brit 



RKO Will Fight in Chi 

■If ^om McConnell, attorney' 
for Jackson Park, insists that 
RKO's two Loop first-runs— the 
Palace and the Grand— come 
tmder '-the decree, there's going 
to be « Stiff court tiff. McCon- 
nell told Allied Theatres of 
Illinois last week that the two 
BKO houses were in, .despite 
fact the suit named RKO Pic- , 
tures as defendant and W»t the 
parent company. 

RKO toppers dispute his con-t 
tention .jmd fey hij faUure to 
include the theatre! company or 
Its parent lets thenii.out. TOiey 
8«tt no poSBibility Of his winning 
a move toopwefad'^* sait.«t -this 
:iat<6:^J:|^gg^-.':;^ 



CP. SKOURAS AGAIN 
HEADS VARIETYTENT 25 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. ■ 
Variety eiub. . Tent 25, elected 
Charles. P. Slcouras toihis sixth term 
v;as 'c}itief barker. Other officers are 
Dave Bershon, first assistant chief; 
1 Oscar . Oldknow, second assistant; 
George Topper, dough guy, and W. 
H (Bud) .Lol]ier,-.proj)ertymaster. 

Barkers voted to .go ahead witli its, 
tiirth clinic at Cedars of, LebanoOi 
and to continue monthly contribu- 
tions to the Spastic Children's |*oun- 
-dation. • 



New IBufralo Variety Clab BOmtd 

Buffalo, Dec. 2. . 
' New board ot directors of- Variety 
Club includes Harry Berkson, Mon- 
ogram: .Tack Chinell, .RKO; William 
Dipson and Andrew' Gibson, Dip- 
son Theatres; Myron Gross^ ^ichine 
Theatres; W. E. J. Martin, Courier- 
Express; Richard Walsh;. Murray 
Whiteman; Phil Fox, . Columbia; 
George H. Mackenna and "David 
Miller, 

Dewey Michaels was fldmed na- 
tional canvasman and Berlin and 
Chinell delegates to the Miami "conr 
■ vention. .- 



The answer, so far as Charles M. 
Reagan, Paramount'a sales chief, is 
not whether n. S. exhibs should 
make up the losses ot the overseas 
market. "We have never advocated 
that- American exhibitors increase 
•their revenues to us to fill in the 
difference in foreign business," 
Rengan'declared. "We do,;howev«r, 
expect their cooperation in seeking 
out every possible ■way «f boosting 
domestic profits." 

Whether it's through increased ad- 
mission?, if that's iu,stified, extended 
runs or better merchandising, dis-; 
tribs have a right to expect theatre 
operators to help find the way out 
and chip in with their cooperation, 
the Reagan credo goes. But Par ha.s 
no intention o£ boosting its rentals 
as the way out. 

On t^e matter of VS^S i"^ 
leaises, Reagan would like to do SP 
but can't see how a company can 
raise the number an<J- yet give care4 
ful exploitation aiid selling to. a film, 
"We can't put^pictures on a belt and 
send them along in a mechanical 
way," he explained. "Pictures must, 
be given the opportunity of careful 
■testing .and selling to start them off 
-right. 'Results are better 'for' cus- 
tomers and ourselves." 

Hence, Paramount plans.to release 
26 pix during the 1947-48 .season, thi 
same number as the year beSpre. 
The 26. includes six to eight Pine & 
Thomas low-budgeters. ■ A good pic- 
ture properly merchandised, Reagan 
believes, can do as well at the pres- 
ent time as last year when theatres 
were turning in peak grosses. 

•'Unconquered," DeMille Teclmi- 
color opus, will play a total of 300- 
350 advanced admission situations, 
then be withdrawn by Jan. 31,. ac- 
cording to Reagan. After a reason- 
able time, it'll be released again at 
regiilar prices: "You can go too far 
down tiie. line, on advanced price pic- 
tures,"' Reagan' said, explaining the 
limited roadshowing, "and if that's 
done, both the exhibitors and the 
distributor get hurt." Currently,' 
he's' planning no other advanced ad- 
mission releases. 

Some 18 months ago. Par cut its 
co-op ads to 114 cities from a previ-' 
ous 2Sp. It doesn't Intend to sli(io 
furtheif. 'In these sitt|ations, com- 
panysvwiU go for ^tiO-SO sharing of 
costs. 



B&K Policy I 

CfljRtimed trom' »a<« 7 ssssk 

first-run in the southside on "Desert 
Fury." Theatre turned 'iSbwn flie: 
offer and the TivoU opens "Fury" 
this weeki " - 

Court clashes over the decree con- 
tinue. Federal judge Michael Igoe 
has just, rvded • that the McVidiers 
theatre, owned 50-50 by Faramotint 
and Jones, Linick & Schaefer, ,is not 
required tp dispense with . double 
features. . ' 

Tom McConneU, attorney for Jack- 
son Park, agreed after tlie hearing 
that the partially-o\vned hon$e isn't 
subject to the decree. Peculiar fllip 
to'the hearing was the contention of 
Joseph Rosenberg, attorney for the 
McVickers, that the de.cree copied 
one which he had. won in 1932 jtgainst 
Publix-Great States circuit. 

jEIosenbevg branded the current set 
of rules as "slovenly drawn" after; 
noting that it failed to distinguislv 
between situations in Chi and those 
in surrounding territory. * ■ 

Morton Lane, Par's" h.i). attorney', 
returns here this week for further 
liuddles with B&K biggies. ' 



Again Delay Chi Suit 

Chicago, Dec. 2, 
Rio,' nabe theatre, antj<-trHst .s^it 
was again postponed last weetc, this 
time until February, 1948. ■ 

Big Five lawyers asked more time 
to examine house books.- 



Semenenko-UH 

S.'C<(i>tinued front Mie4 



Inside Sbiff-Pictnres 

Gus Eyssell, managing director of Radio City Music Hall, N. Y., makes 
his first radio appearance tomorrow tThursday) as guest of Tex McCrary 
and Jinx Falkenburg on iliefr '"HI Jfax" show over "VjlWaC (NBC, N.Y.). 
Eyssell will be interviewed by the husband-and-wlfe ; team on the Hall s 
annual Christmas pageant revue and it's believed he'll give out with a 
bunch of statistics on how many people have seen the stage event since it 
was originated, how many years it's .been presented, etc. He'll also cUs- 
cuss the "factors he looks for Iri selecting films for the Hall, e,specially 
those for the holiday season. Metro's "Good News," which opens there 
tomorrow (Thursday), .'»'ill have the honors this year. 

Interview was set up tty Tom l^gei^ Mf^^a home office radio, pub- 
licity director. 

Small st\idib, short of Ipyoduct, •vehitttrf down two old boss operas and 
combined them to look like a iiew ftUrt. In, the course of whittling it was 
discovered- that the.«tar woire a white shirt in one galloper and a black 
one in the other. To solve this difficulty they switched the star into a dual 
role, villainous in a black .sliirt and heroic in white, CWtics around the 
lot declare the stkr looks better as « villain than as a hero. 

Understood the Production Code Administration has notified all studios, 
m^Or and Jndift, that all stories about Al Capone are out, no matter how 
they are disguised. Johnston office recently nixed a Capone script adapted 
ttasn a Wetbrbok Peglar yarn and submitted by Twoey Productions. S^me 
out&t'Ja -reported intent on sitbmitting the tale again, this time with a 
different twist. Notification covers "any" Capone story. 



After an extensive facelifting job, Howard Hughes' production "Mad 
Wednesday"' has been delivered to United Artists for release. Harold 
Lloyd starrer was tried out last spring under title of "The Sin of Harold 
Diddlebock" bvit yisis. withdrawn following lagging returns. 

For new refei^ Hughes changed the title, changed the ending, recut the 
picture, resbot 'some 'scenes and issued a'ite'W pressbook.'. 




^ Bogait 

Continued from pace 5 j 



nor as a sponsor of anything Com- 
munistic. " 

"I went to Washington because I 
tlioaghl fellow Amei'iCdus tvcte 'oe- 
ing deprived of their Constitutional 
Bights, aid for that reason alone. 

"That- the trip was ill-advised,, 
even ioolish, I am very ready to 
admit. At the lime it seemed the 
thing to do, 

" "I have absolutely no use for 
CoriSmunism nor for anyone^ Who 
iserves that philosophy. 
■ "I am an American 



BURMA'S m TAX 
ON YANK FILM €R<y^ 

WhMi it comes -to crackdowns on 
foreign pictures, Burma talces no 
half-way measures. Reports re- 
ceived by the Motion Picture Assn.'s 
international department reveal the 
Burma move considerably more 
drastic than first thought and the 
wqj'St by any country yet ' It csdls 
for an 80% t&x oh boxofllce gross 
of American films. . 

With 20% of the, take "to be di- 
vided between exhibitor and distrib. 
out of which is to come all expense.s, 
it makes operation in the country 
ludicrous, Frederick Spencer, MPA'* 
rep there, was last reported en- 
deavoring to get an extension of 
the deadline for imposition of the 
tax, which was Monday (l)i 

Although the new government 
which iiecently took over said the 
.move was to save dollar exchange, 
it actually means nothing in that 
direction, ' since there's been a 



ment. has- indicated that' he. is i^U 
int^arested -in it if <he can get full con- 
trol. A $5,000,(H)0-$6,000,000 .figure 
was mentioned in these talks. 

Miss Pickford's advisers have been 
urging her to accept the Boston 
banker's offer, pointing out the dif- 
ference between the $12,500,000 that 
could have been obtained ,iust 'a few 
montlis ago and the present figure. 
Since the company lias been, unable 
to line up the bank financing it must 
have to'provii^e production loans to 
get its.: Jlndies working.'-again, it is 
feared^ there will be further depreci 
ation. If product petei-s out com- 
pletely next year— as now appears 
po.ssible— it is feared that the loss of 
continuity of releases would cause a 
further, decrease in value whiiclr, 
might be catastrophic. 

Last summer's offer by the Fabian 
syndicate called for $5,000,000 to 
Chaplin for his '50% ownership and 
$7,900,000 to Miss PickfOrd. She was 
to 'get more because of willingness 
to accept, deferred payments, rather 
than cdsh, which Chaplin, was to get 
Imposition of the- 75Si tax by the 
British and general deterioration of 
the foreign market outlook since the 
Fabiarn offer has contributed to then 
and-ribw difference. . 



U'S 40 IN '48 MEANS 7 
llP;RANrS12NEn¥R. 

Universal will release 40 films 
during 1948, a boost of seven' over 
the total hiUing the exchanges this ' 
year, company spokesman said this 
vp^ bicljidetl. in the total are a 
dozen "British pix from J. Arthur 
Hank studios, U, «s chief U.-S. dis- 
trib for "Rank, handled nine of the 
Britisher's features during 1947. . 

Two of the company's pix,- ifs 
said, are currently., under considerac.; 
tion for ■ advanced admission book-' 
ings, Th^'re- "All My Sons," adapta- 
tion ot the Arthur Miller play which 
won the New York .jcciticS' award, 
and "Tap Roots," inralter Wanger's 
Technicolor spectacular. "Stons" will 
be released January or February of 
'48 with test engagements probably 
giving the final word on- whether 
it'll be upped in price. "Tap Roots" 
won't be on releasing charts, until 
June >: . , 

From >the Rank schedule, U is 
counting ^rticidwrly on three head- 
liners, wlggest piroperty is|Sir Law- 
rfence Olivier's fllmization ot "Ham- 
let."' Also marked, high are "Red 
Shoes," ballet pic of Michael Powell, 
and" "Oliver Twist," adaptation of 
the -Dickens novel recently wrapped 
by 0avid Lean. Each of the trio 
cost Rank $2,000,000 plus. ■ ^ 

Tap Roots" was • originally set 
for '47 releasing hut a protracted de- 
lay -in obtaining Technic«4or prints 
has pushed It over to the year fol- 
lowing. 



Another BriLExliib. 



"And very likely, like a good 
many ''oi the rest of you, sometimes -: freeze on dollar remittances since 
••'■'A' fooBs^i, Attd' impetuous American."! Oct. 15.- 



Goldwyn Buys 

s Continued from page 7 : 



Sig Alexander Klng^ who has been 
jn the U.S. for the past two months 
surveifr^g theatre operations and 
visiting 'atudioi^ said last Week that 
he is mudi. impressed with Ameri- 
can pxhiW 'Success in merchandis- i 
ing candy, popcorn, etc. Scotsman ' 
plans, to introduce such product in 
his chain of some 87 theatres when- 
ever it becomes feasible to do so, he 
indicated, feeling that such sales are 
.source of secondary -revenue that 
cannot be overlooked. 

iKing also plans to refurbish his 
theatres' marquees along the archi- 
tectural lines of U.S. houses when 
economic conditions permit. The 
Scottish thealxeman, accompanied t>y 
his. family, sailed aboard the Queen 
Mary last week, along with Mark 
Ostrer, joint managing director of 
GaumontoBritish. Latter opined 
that the cuErent 75% film tax im- 
passe might not be adjusted until 
the Marshall Plan takes effect. 



Fewer A 

Conilaued from 




tioi^ chief, said yesterday that ac- 
qulsition.of the interest in the Bos- 
ton house represented no continued 
policy move toward buying theatres 
"The opportunity presented itself as 
logii:al and proper and we took ad 
vantagVof it, that's all," Mulvcy ex- 
plained. 

Cary Cvant-Loretta Young-David 
Niven starrer opens at the Astor, 
N. Y., next Tuesday (9); Carthay 
CirclN Los Angeles, Christmas Day; 
Woods, Chi,' approximately the same 
time, and at the Colony, Miami, 
Jan. I 14. Policj* will be similar to 
that of "Best Years of Our Lives," 
with the Astor, N. Y., getting $1.80 
top and houses in other cities $1,20 
for the pre-release eneaKcments, 
Policy for regular engagements 
hasn't been determined yci 



sible to step up production because 
of the current sky-high costs. 

Of those 506 films tentatively 
scheduled for release-.nexi year, only 
some 150-200 can be bracketed in the 
A category. On Broadway, conse- 
quently, where 18 or' 19 theatres are 
competing for first run t>roduct, only 
10 or 11 films a year would ba avail 
able to ' each house: That means 
every theatre would ha've to play 
each film an average of four <veeks 
or longer, or settle for reissues. For- 
eign pictures are -already channeled 
into the five or six art houses on 
Broadway and it's unlikely the de 
luxe showcasers Would go for any ot 
them. 

Pointing up the expected shortage 
of first run product ' is 20th-Fox, 
Company will boost its releases from 
33 to 48 films in 1948. Of those 48, 
however, only 22 will be turned out 
by the 20th studios and several of 
these will probably be modest 
budgeters, unsuited for the A houses. 
Besides the four Sir Alexander 
Korda films also to be released, 
20th's remainijpg 18 will come froni 
B string of indie^producei-s, few of 
whose pictures Will orate A playing 
time. 

Sales chiefs have consi.stently 
maintained that they don't expect an 
exhibitor (o hold a film an extra day 
or an extra week if it means the ex 
hib will lose money thereby. If it' 
found, however, that extended time 
will still furnish a margin of profit, 
even il ifs less than the exhib might 
derive by booking in a new picture, 
tlien the majors claim the theatr 
.should hold the picture over. Other 
wise, they warn, the first run houses 
may be faced with a shortage of top 
films long before the year is out 



JESSE LUNCHEON CAPS 
N.Y. FEDERATION DRHfE 

Federation 'of Jewish Philanthro- 
pies winds up its N. Y. showbiz cam- 
paign to l-aise $325,000 Dec. 11 at a 
Hotel Astor luncheon. Sum is being 
collected by a committee, hesided by 
Si Fabian, chairman of FJP's amu,se- 
nieiit division, as a share ot the $15,- 
000,1000 goal sought this year. 

Luncheon will take the form of a 
testimonial to George Jes.sel, a pil- 
lar in FJP's. fund raising activities. 
Reps of all branches of :|he enter- 
tainment world are expected turn 
out for the affair. ■ . 

Max A. Cohen, circuit operator, is 
chairman of' the luncheon commit- 
tee. Among, other members are 
Joseph R. Vogel, Loew's - theatre 
head; Abe Schneider, veepee and 
treas. of Columbia; Emil Fried- 
lauder, chairman of the board of Da- 
zian's; and "Robert M. Weitman, 
managing director of the Paramount 
theatre-. 



MP Foundation Names 
10 Pic Toppers Trustees 

Motion Picture Foundation was 
geared into high thj.s week when dis- 
trib members named their 10 tnistcp.s 
to the'MPF board. Those tapped will 
sit with reps from the 31 exchange 
areas at the first board meet, slated 
for flee: 8-9, at the Hotel Astor 
,(N. Y,). ■ 

Designated by distribs are Barney 
Balaban, Paramount's prexy; Arthur 
Krim, Eagle Lion prez; Gradwt'll L. 
Sear.'s, United Artists' prez; Waller 
Tilu.s, Jr., veepee lor Republic; Spy- 
ros Skouras, 20th-Fox's prexy; Jack 
Cohni veepee for Columbia; Leopold 
Friedman, veepee for Metro; Major 
Albert Warner, veepee for Warner 
Bro.?.; Nate J. Blumberg, Univcrsal's 
prexy, and Ned Depinet,! exec veepee 
for RKO. 

Trustees' meet will plot the MPF'.'^ 
course in collecting the $10,000,000 
fixed upon to initially endow the 
project. Rules -wiir also be iixed to 
determine eligibility of beneficiaries 
tO'the fund. 4 - 



80 



Wednesday, Deeemlter 8, 1947 



Picture Grasses 



ST. LOUIS 

(Continued from page 8) 
Monterey** (U) »nd "Two Blondes, 
feedheadi." |1»,W«>. _ „„ 

Sfissourl (F&M) (3,S00; 60-75)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) aiid""01d 
Spanish TraU" (K«p) (m.o.). Solid 
$14,000. Last '^Btule Force" 

(U) and "Fabulous Texsji* (Rep). 
(m.o.), $6,000. 

Oi^enm (Loew) (2,000; BO-75)— 
•This Time For Keeps'* (M-G) and 
"Millerson CSse" (0>W (ro.o.) (2d 
wk). E^e $8,000 after neat $12,000 
first stanza. 

St. iHWIs (F&M) (4,000; 80-75)— 
"Unsuspected" (WB) and "Each 
Dawn I Die" (WB) (reissue). Pass- 
eble $8,i50O. Cast weefe^ "tragic 
Town" (HKO) andVDifck Tracy 
Meets Gru^sfome" (BICO) wk)i 
soUd $7,000. 

Shnbert (Ind) (1,500; 40-60)— 
"Drums Along Mohawk" (2Qth) and 
"Mark of Zoiro" (20th} (reissiues). 
Oke $6,S0O. Last wedL "Dear Ruth" 
(Par) and Xry Woft" (WB) (Sd 
run), 15,000. 

ma' m&L m0, 

BALTO; WUmm 

. Baltimore, Dep. 2 
Strong entries sparked by, a potent 
Thanksgiving Day ''getaway '.and 
holding- pace over weekend are'' xe- 
eulting in t ail-around good figures. 
Sockiest are ''Green D<apl|in Street" 
at LOeyr's Century and' "Walter 
Mitty" at Town. Better than avera|{e 
take alsO'. is reported: iorT "Dai^ 
Kenyotf' ai the New., 

l^lMiuittf fn .pdt Wtfik 
Cc«tniy (Loew%>VrA> (3.000; 20* 
00)— "Green D<dptain Street" (M-G) 
(2d Starting' second round to- 
day (Tties) after very -blg^ getawa^F 
at $22,000, best here in weeks. 
Second round of '^Bodjr 'and,.Sour' 
<UA) was solid $11,300 liist week. 
Hip]p«ar«Nie (R«p{Mtpoi;t) ' (2,240; 
. 580-70)— I'Had to3eTi^u" (Col) plus 
V9ud«^ .Very st^dy $19,000. Last 
vfeeikt '"Gwseii For Danger" <M>) 
leaning en^ety on p:a.' of George 
Jesselto get nii(» $14,800.. 

KeItM|,JSchanberger) (2.460; 20 
eO)— "Wiiltful Widow" (U) OpeiUng 
today- (Tues) - after second week of 
"WherjfriTfiere* Life" (Par) did very 
well at $19,000; first was $16,000. 
' MayWr. (Bicks) (980; 35-59) 
"RcKven Only Knows" iUA) (2d 
vrk). stouUy $6.QML«tter aU 

right' first j-ound of $7,S00.\ . ; 

NeV (Mechanic) (1.800: 20-60)-^ 
"Daisy Kenyan" (20tfeK Uicely re» 
ceived by ntlx. stroi " 
week, .sej!ond,,of' !'K: 
(20thy, $9,300. 

Stanley <WB) <3;l280; 2S-75) 
"Hagen GitV (WB)^ Disappointing 
^VifiOfS. Last weekr xe»su» «f *'B«eh 
Dawn I Die" (WB), not too bad mt 
$9,200. ■ ■ 

T«wi> (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-65)— 
"Walter ^Utty^ XttKO). 'Smash 
Last went,' second of "Thi 
ive" (RKO), big $1«,»00; 




DeBT^r; 'Me' 16ce 15G 

Denver, Dec. 2» 
"Green Dolphin Street" is stand' 
«ut here this week with smash seS' 
fion. "Where There's Life" and 
Tabulous Ttx»n" also shap4 as 
fancy. "Exile" liMks nice. 
BsUaMfes fer This: Week 
AUddin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74) 
"Hagett dirl" (WB) and "Invisible 
Wan" (20th). after week at Den- 
ver, Webber. Big $5,000. Last week, 
"Body and Sod?* (UA) and "Two 
Blondei^ ^Redhead" (Gifl)^ (iq.0.), 

beidiam (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-74) 
"Where There's life" (Par). Great 
$14,000. . Holds. Last week, ^'Uncon- 
Quered" (Par) (3d wk). fine $13i000 
■t utted scale. 

Denver (FoSc) (2,525; 35-74) 
"Fabulous Texan" (Rep) and "Spirit 
West Point" (FC>. &y-date with 
Webber. Fast $16,000, Last week, 
"Hagen Girl" (WB) and "Invisible 
Wall" (20th), fine $15,000. 

Es«aire (Fox) (742; 39-74) 
"Exile" (U) and "Hoses Are Red" 
(20th), dM'-date with - Paramount. 
Good $3,000. Last week, 'Torever 
Amber" (20th> (2d wid, also Par» 
mount, fair $2,000. 

OriAeint (RKO) (2,600; 35-74) — 
•Gkeen Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Smash $24,000. Last week, "Merton 
of Movies" (M-G) and "Amelo Af- 
fair" (M-6), $15^500. 

FarauMnnt (Fox) (24200; 35-74)— 
"Exile" (W and "Roses Are Red" 
(20th), also Esauire. Nice $12,000. 
Last week, "Forever Amber" (20th) 
(2d wk). mild $11,000 at $1.30 .top. . 

Bialto (Fox) (87^; 35-74)— "Body 
and Soul'* (UA) and "Two Blondes, 
Redhead" (Col), after wede at Den- 
ver, Webber, Aladdin. Big $6(000. 
JLast week, "MiarKle" (20th) and 
"San Antonio" (WB), $3,500. 

Webber (Fox) (ISO; 35-74) 
"Fabulous Texan" (Hop) and "Spirit 
West Point" {FCh also Denvsr. Fina 
$3,500. Last week. "Hamn Girl" 
(WB) and "Invisible Wall" (20th), 
$3,000. 



Pro?. Hot; Dolpbin' Fat 
31G,WWow22G, 
'Widow' yid at 19G 

Providence. Dec, S, 
Unusually high grosser this week 
with Loew's State leading the list 
with "GreilsB Dolphin Street,',' Also 
hep are RKOjybee'*:"Walti?lf;Mittjr/';. 
spotted for holdoveil-, and-AI'alestlc's 
"Wistful" Widow." ■ ' "• - '-"2 
EsUniates for This Week 
Albee (HKO) (2,200; 44-65)-^"Wal- 
ter Mitty" (RKO) and "Wild Horse 
Mesa" (BKO) (2d wk). Second 
round today. First week was sock<r 
$22,000. Last week, "Magic Town" 
(RKO) and "Tonto Rim" (RKO) (2d 
wk), 113,800. 
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) 
"AnHiony Adverse" (WB) and 'yre, 
zebel" (WB) (reissues). Happy $5,- 
000. Last week, "Nightmare Alley"; 
(20th) and "When Girl's Beautiful" 
(Col) (2d run), $4,500. 

Fays (Fay) (1.400; 44-65)— "That's 
iSy Gal" (Rep) and vaude on stage. 
Good $7,000. Last week, "Robin 
Hood of Texas" (Rep) and vaude, 
sweU $8,000. 

Males tie (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— 
"Wistful. Widow" (U) and "Bulldog 
Drummond Strikes" (Col). Solid 
$19,000. Last weeki "Lost Mom^it" 
(U) and- "Moss Rose*' (20th), $16,000. 

Metropellliui (Snider) (3,100; 65)— 
"Wyoming" (Rep) and Peggy Ann 
Oarner' heading stage show for 
'Uiree-day weekoid run. Nice $9,500. 
Last week, "That's My Man" (Rep) 
and,- vtiude on stage for three-day 
weekender, $8,000. 

Stl»te (Loew) (3,200: 44-65)— 
"Green -Ddlplidia Street'' (M-G). 
Single biU'-wiib quick turnover hclp< 
ing .to solid $31,000. Last week. 
"Body and Soul" (UA) and "Private 
Affairs** (UA) (Sd'wk). nice $17.- 
000. , ' 
Strand (Silyerman). (2,300; 4445) 
"Where There's Life" (Par) and 
"SWeef Genevieve" (Col). Opened- 
Monday- (1); Iiast week,' "Golden 
Bartflsgs" (Par) (ad,wlt>» oke $W,- 
OOO aft^r $12,000 opener. 

'AMBER' I(HUiK»24€ 
lNMAi)ISSPORIUNI^ 

Portlftnd, Ore-... Dec.-. 2; 
Downtown . firstruns aren*t doing: 
too, weU this. week. because olnum' 
ber of' attractions- playing compett' 
tive- non-theatre spots.- Two larg«: 
houses. Paramount and Oriental, are 
coining the dou^ . with "Forever 
Atnbfr," "Bachelor and Bobby' 
Soxer" looks ace holdover at Musie 
Box. 

XqiiiiMtcs f or This Week 
Broadwax (Parker) (1,832; 40-80.) 
—"Unsuspected" . (WB) - and "Along 
Oregon Trail" (Rep). Okay $8,500. 
Last "week, "Merton of Movies'! 
(M-C) and "Amelo Affair" (M-C) 
(2d wk), M,000. 

Onlia (barker) (427; 65-$1.00) 
"Ivan " (Indie). Fair $2,000. iMi 
week, "Know .'Where I'm Going" 
(U), oke $800 in fom' days. 

Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 85-$1.25) 
—"Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk) 
(five days). So-so $5,500. Last week, 
great $14,000.: 

Mnsie Mx (R-E) (1,000; 4«>80)— 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
and "The- Web" (UJ (3d wk), after 
two . we^ks at ^Paramount and Orien'> 
taL Trfin $8,500 or over, JCast week, 
about -same. 

Oriental (H-E) (2.000; 90-$t20) 
—"Forever Amber" (2Gth). also at 
Paramotmt. Hot $7,500. Last wedc, 
"Foxes of Hancow" <20th> and "In- 
visible WaR" (10th) ), $6,800. 

Orpbenm (H-E) (1,750; 40-80 t^-r 
"Grapes of Wrath** (20H») and "Tb 
bacco Road" (20th) (reissues) (five 
days). Nifty $6,800. Last week, 
"Foxes Harrow'* (20th) and "In 
visible Wall'* (20th), big $10,800. 

Paramenat (H',E) (3,400; 90-$1.20) 
-"Forever Amber" (20th), day-date 
with Oriental. Torrid $16,500- or 
over. I«st week, "Golden Earrings" 
(Par) and "Secret Mission" (EL), 
strong $11,500. 

PUybouse (H-E) (1,200; 40-80) 
"Golden Karrings" (Par) and "Secret 
Mission'* (EL) (m.o.). So-so $3,800. 
Last wedE, "Ntghtmar* Ali(^*' (ao»)) 



Work Miracles" (FC) (reissues), 
1 11,800. 

United Nations (FWC) (1,149; 60- 
86)— "Hagen Girl" (WB) .„(m.o.). 
Weak 12,300. Last week, "Forever 
Amber'" (20th) (4th wk), dutt $2,000 
at $1.20 top. % 
Eiqnire (Blumenfeld) (952; 5S-85) 
"Piiates of Monterey" (U), Mud 
$9,000 or near. Last week, "Tree 
Grows In Brooklyn" (20t») and 
"Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (reissues), 
torrid $16,000. 

Center (Lippert) .(300; 35-85)-' 
•'Hell's ASigels" «ndie> land "Scar- 
face" (Indi?) ; .<l«issUes),. Hefty 
$3,300. ?,ast week..:"Forever Amber" 
(20th).:;(m.l?.),^ dWpolWmg $2,800 
at $1.80 top.' -^^ ■ , 

StiiU jPajc) <2tl33; 60-85)-»Where, 
There's Life'f^OPar) (m.o.). Strong 
$11,000. Last ,^k. "Man of Con', 
quest" (Rep) and "Dark Command"; 
(Rep) (reissues), $8,500, 

W UVEY ?17,000, 
K.C4 TIRATES' 156 

Kansas City, Dec. 2. 
Line-up Of pix is improved con* 
siderably for this holiday week, and 
biz is upped accordingly. Leader js 
new Bob Hope "Where There's Life*' 
at Paramount which likely will be 
strong. "Song of Love" in the Mid- 
land and "Pirates of Monterrey" in 
three Fox Midwest houses also 
shape well but are doubtful hold- 
overs. Fairly gob* weather Thimks- 
giving Day gave - a sizable boost 
with top admissions In force. . 

' estimates for VbUi, Week 
Apelle (Fox Midwest) (1,100; 46- 
55) — "Northwest' Ouftiost" (HeP) 
and "Winter Wonderland" (Rep). 
Good $3,50Q. House drops back, into 
its regular- subsequent-Tun this 
week. , • 

Bsqnlre (Fox Midwest) (820; 411^. 
05)-?'Along Old Spanish TraU" 
(Rep) and "Robin Hood of Texas" 
(Rep). Mce $6,000. Last week, "Adi 
venture Island" (Par> and "Queen 
4^ Anunons" . (SG),. so-so $4,000. 

Kiai» (Dltdciifson) (580; 65) — 
"Open City" (Indie). Returns after 
foiur weeks at this house last ^inter,j- 
Good $1,200„ House goes iMttk to 
reissues and firrtraow »»er tto 
week. Ltet week!, "Baker** Wife*^ 
igndieX, light $808., 

Midland (Loew's) (it,500; 46-«S)— 
."Song of Love"- (M-G) and •'Crime 
Doctor's Gamble" (Cot). Good 
OOO in 8 dsffs. Last week, "Green 
Dolphhi Street" (M-G) (Sd wk). 
fine $19,000. 
.Orj^Mw (RKO) (1.900; ISrfa)— 
'WMter Wits" («KO) (2d wfc)> 
Light $8,008. test week,. moderately. 
4E00d $13,000. 
AmMotat (Par) (1,900; «i-19i>T^ 
■Where^ There's Life" . (P^r).~Tatt 
$17,000 looms, and certaln'holdoveti 
Last week, "Unsuspected" (WB>. 
$13,000 in 8 days. 

liexy ' (Durwood) (900; 46-85)-^ 
•'Out of Blue" (EL). Sofid $7,000 in 
8 days. Last week, '•Adventurcssf 
(EL) «nd "Heartaches'* (EL), slew 
$3,500 In 6 days. 

Tnwer - Uptown - Fairway (Fox 
fiCdwest) (2.100, 2,043, 700; 49-65)— 
•'Pirates of Monterrey" (U). Steady 
$15,000. Last week, "Fabulous Tex- 
an'* (Rep), $8,900 in O'days. 



and "When GtrVs BtftUtiM** ' (Col) 
(m.o.). $2,200. 

Vntfed Arttits (Parker) (895; 40. 
80)— "EscfceMfr Never" (WB) (eight 
days), ^in $5,500. Last week. "This 
Time for Keeps" (M-G) (2d \(rk), 
$6,800. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

' (C:k>ntinued- from page 9) 
Going" (U) (4th wk), happy $1,700 
in 5 days. 

Clay (Roesner) (400; 65-89)— 
"Tawny Pipit" (U) (3d wk). Big 
$2,400. Last week, nice $1,900. 

Larkui (Soeaacr; (408;' 83-83)— 
"Know Where Tm Going" (U) (m.o.). 
Fine $2,400. Last week, "Things To 
Come" (FC) and "Man Who Gould 



Execs Divided 

B GenUaiwA-: tMat psga t st^ 
thfr shouMeik 



of 



all— belonged on 
the producers. 

Goldwyn's attitude was that 
positive "iippi;oiich should be taken 
pubUci;dng that HollaFWOod's 
product output is 100% .^crican 
and that not even a taint of Com- 
munism had been hung on it by the 
House Un-American Committee, 
Firing of the "unfriendly 10," he aS' 
serted, was a negative approach to 
the problem. 

Other committee members «sked 
what the attitude of the industry 
was to be if Chairman 3. Parnell 
Thomas reopened his probe, as he 
states he WiU. The AIPA fought 
the committee at the recent Wash' 
ington hearings and now it was fall- 
ing in line with it; which Would put 
it in an inconsistent position. 

In this connection, the opinion 
was expressed this week by a prom 
inent industiyite unable to be 
the meetings that the group made 
a mistake in not including in the 
policy statement a repetition of the 
stronjjt condemnation of the eommit- 
tee tnade in Washington by Eric 
.Tohnston and MPA special counsel 
FsaH v. McNutt. His attUude was 
that the statement would have been 
much stronger had it taken the form 
of "a plague on both your houses" — 
condemning both 'the committee' and 
^e 10 witnesses -who refused to an- 
swer its questions. 

It was mostly the indies— both big: 
and little— at last week's meetings 
who objected to the anti-Communist 
policy and took a liberal view. One 
of them declared afterwards that he 
would gladly hir* every one of the 
10 cited if he thought he could do 
so without endangering his financing 
and release setup. 



MPA Surprised At Silence 



centlnned from page < j 



to comment on the Gongressiohal 
contempt, citation!),. 

In New "Srork, the papers lined UP 
about as expected, with the possible' 
exception of the Herald Trib. It 
found the attitude of the kidustry 
"neither, heroic nor inspiring*' but 
questioned whether It wa-stft made 
admissible*' by the yery nature of 
Communism. 

"It is doubtful whether any one, 
With the exception of Mf. J. Pamell 
Thomas, will feel happy over the 
action of ttie Motion Picture indus- 
try,*' the Trib stated. "The indus- 
try's own unhappiness is evident 
enough from the tortured language 
of the announcement, in which re- 
spect for justice and civil liberty 
struggles ' both painfully and obi- 
viously with the desire to escape 
the embarrassflients brought down 
by Mr. Thomas' hippodrome." 

"Many viHi feel,'* the editorial 
continues, "that it is simply a case 
a gigantic industry, always no^ 
toriously timid and sensitive to any 
kind of mass reaction, running to 
cover from popular hysteria, at th«f 
expense of destroying the livelihoods 
a few writers and directors 
against whom nothing has been 
proved exatipt that they evaded 
answering^ aS to%their political be- 
Uefs." 

Herald Trib concludes: "It Is hard 
to maintain tiiat « mass-communica- 
tion industry Is powerless to deny 
employment on suspicion of secret 
m«i\bership in a subversive organl- 
aatiott. This newspaper believes that 
tiie power must be conceded; but it 
cerfainfar siiotad bis used iparlngily 
as posi^da, and tme trusts that Uie 
motion picture industry's insistenea 
on fairness «aa -tnoderatton will 'be 
observed.** 

Th« Post and PM, as anticipated, 
Uned up against the industry, while 
the (Scripps-Howard) World-Tele- 
ijcam, Sun, -aad Hearst's Mirror and; 
J^awaaMIirror .<eaiDft out in Its fik- 
vor, Tb« other S. Y. dailies were 
jsilent. 

The Post used the action for an- 
other dap At the Thomas conunittec, 
heading Its ' editorial -with a state- 
nient made by Adolf Hifler in 1933: 
•Fhe great strength of a totalitarian 
state is that it torces those who fear 
it to imiUate It." PM called the In- 
dustry- decision "a 'craven, repeat.*' 
Serii^ps^Beward 
The, WorldfTelegram - used the 
sante editorial as Scripps-Howard 
papers thrqiii^out the country, 
praising Cengrcse for ibe contempt 
citations. The Sun declared that the 
method followed by the Industr;^ 
'may not furnish the perfect 
answer,** but' at least they have "the 
merit of -jtaitd^ag' -boldly, fait an at- 
tempt to ^al -with' a' thOmy.probr 
lem." ■ , 

Washington Pest's Stand 
The Washington ^Post, in lining up 
against the anti-Communist an- 
nouncement, said: "We think the 
industry was ill advised in firing the 
10 men . . . Ilie industry spokesman,' 
IScie .Johnston, declared loftily that 
*we .are not going to be swayed 
fysterie or hitimidation from "any 
source^' But the surrender, leather 
belies him," ' 

The refusal of the 10. to Answer 
as to : whether they were Comniu< 
nists, the PoSt points out, is now to 
be tested in the courts. "It Would 
be -welL therefore, to await the ffiut- 
come tn tfaJs test before' pcnfalizing 
them. The action of the Industtf 
not only presumes that they are 
Communists, but presumes, in addi- 
tion, that they were required by law 
to. admit they were Communists 
when Hep. Thomas asked them.' 

Employment of the type of pub' 
licity. used by the Thomas commib. 
tee, the Post states, has influenced 
personnel policies of the studios, 
which, in turn, has influenced the 
content of films. 

One of the few papers that took 
objection to the House contempt 
vote was the -Miami Herald. It con;i- 
mented that it hoped Thomas noted 
the Screen Writers Guild election 
last week bad been overwhelmingly 
attti-Communist. Then it added: 
■ "Tb smear a vast industry with the 
blanket blight of anti-American 
charges is a vicious practice . . . 
Parnell Thomas' witch hunters made 
the foul, accusation and then refused 
to submit proofs or let the accused 
defbid'themselves. 

^The known COmmies they did 
cite for contempt were known as 
Commies for years and all theh? rec- 
ords were with the FBI before Rep. 
Thomas used that information for 
personal p-iibUcity." 

The Norfolk Virsinian-Pilo't stated: 
"Whatever one's opinion' of the pro- 
cedure, there is no doubt of the right 



of the producers, ui private employ-, 
ers, to decide thttt the 10 'in^paired 
fheir usefulness to the industiry.' » 

The St. Paul Woxiew Press com. 
mented pn th« *'])ig-niime galaxy" 
hired - by the ittdiustty, including 
Johnston, Paul MidtTutt, James F. 
Byrnes and Donald Nelson. It said 
"the people wiU demand that this 
galaxy announcing the Hollywood 
housecleaning, see to It that the 
prominence and public esteem they 
enjoy -will not be misused by the in- 
dustry- they represent,'* and that the 
"houseqleaniqg" comes ptt as an- 
nounced. 

The, Cincinnati Star found the in- 
dustry's statement "a vindication of 
the Thomas committee's aim and a 
confirmation of its findings.*' The 
Cleveland Plain Dealer "commend- 
ed** the industry for its stand. The 
Detroit News found it "a sensible 
course** and the Kansas City Star 
said "the industry has done a con- 
structive piece of work.*' 



Herbert Te$t, 

GoKthnied Stem page l , 



Henry Blossom, made the motion 
for consolidation of the suits. 

Actions involve the- question 
whether' songs composed before 
1909, but Whitdt irere xanewed and 
extended, have the same mechanical 
reproduction xigbts under the 1909 
law. Filed sevwal yean ago, the 
suits deal with some li sengs com- 
posed by --Herbert, MacDenough^and 
Blossom. PlalntUts are iSUa- Bartlett, 
Clifford Heifaectv Mkrioriy^ Kossom 
Wilsim and^Ian MaeDwiough, sur- 
viving heizs. . 

In sceldng an aeaounting'ef the 
profits; plsintUGl' cfiaKge' thai -some 
four tunes eMh jhave b^gt manu- 
factured and sotid the three disk 
companies. Rwwrdine! of. these 
songs, it's elaiinad, barn sold well 
over the 1,000,000 mark without pay- 
ment of n^ltiea to the heirs. Two 
of the songa involved are '•Toyland,*' 
written by Herbert and. MacDon- 
ougii, and "Moonbeams," by Herbert, 
Blossom and others. No date for the 
trial a» yet liag %titn set - .. 

Crux- °0£ fii*<Mi6i, «• jteinted out 
by', copyriijrtit WiMBnr- .Francis .Gil- 
feert,'")d<if«i on i)|rfKther tenewal 
rights to -a song nrij^naUy copy- 
righted prior to ISQit,- .place the tune 
within the scope ' of . the 1909 law. 
But the aet itself spkcilieally states 
its provisions, •'so far as they secure 
copyright controlling the parts of 
instruments serving to-.. t«]piroduce 
inechanicfdiy ^el musical work, 
ithaU include ttttljr compositions pub- 
lished abd ictoji^yrighted after July 1. 
1909." 





CanUnoed- fcaia page 

He will continue to operate imder a 
constant burden ,«» long as the de- 
fendants' continue' to own and run 
their own tKeatres." SIMPP states. 

Sbi{e«;.,the Indie is innocent of any 
attsmpt to reatrato trade - or foster 
monopoly, it's said, he should have a 
clear .right to' dispose of his own 
product upon such 'terms as he sees 
fit, brief argues in another point. 
Hence, the decree should be modified 
'to specifically so priivide; 

In a last point; SiUPP also asks 
that the decree be clarified so that 
there can. be no question of the 
indie's right to roadshow product. 
These are, peculiarly important to 
indies because they frequejitly pro- 
duce films at extremely high costs. 

Application was made because de- 
fendants refused to okay filing of 
the brief. Government had consented. 
Morris L. Ernst is the attorney for 
SIMPP. 



-20th 



ContiaUeA frem psfC 3 



□ 



premc Court for >ei£ht hours to set 
forth theirVversi^tti bt the case. It's 
likely that the clerk will whittle the 
time sougbt somewhat. Further con- 
fab of legalites is Set for the latter 
part of this week when the order in 
which company attorneys will argue 
is to be fixed. At that time, definite 
word as to time aUoted is expected 
from Washington. 

Meanwhile, majors' lawyers have 
been at cross-purposes with the 
Dept. of Justice on the date to ex- 
change briefs. D of J wants that 
fixed at Dec. 15 while defense at- 
torneys would like an additional 
week. 



Yes...COMPARE the pafron drawing powet 
. . . of eye^and 

colorful ACCESSORIES . . . with your other 
advertising media . . . COMPARE . . . the low 

i • ' ' ' 

cosf of The PRIZE BABY'S seat-selling sales*' 
men . . .with the cost of selling . . . through o f iter/ 
channels! . . . DoUar-fot-DoUar * . . Patron-for-^ 
Patron i . .TRAILERS and ACCESSORIES do 
a Bigger job ... a Better jol^ f pr LESS money I 

nBmaM.,Q>ke« service 



22 



PICTI7BES 



Choninard Exits Mpk Indie Group 
Over Par Deal; M Makes Peace 



1 Minneapolis. 4' 

After an angry disagreement with 
members ot Independent theatres, 
Casper Chouinard has resigned as 
general manager and buyer o{ the 
non-profit buying combine, which 
comprisiBs most of the important 
Twin City independent situations. 
The group immediately named Low- 
ell Kaplan, assistant general man- 
ager and assistant buyer of anpther 
non-profit outfit. Theatre Associates, 
•which includes the territory's largest 
independent circuits, to succeed 
Chouinard. Theatre Associates hasn't 
yet appointed a successor to Kaplan. 

Just a few weejjs.ago Chouinard 
made a deal for Independent the- 
atres with Paramount. The combine 
had been laying off the product for 
irtore than a year because of refusal 
to meet the company's terms. The- 
atre Associates, which includes Ben- 
nie Berger, North Ceptral Allied 
president, is \still, in effect, "boy- 
cotting" Paramotmt. The company 
charges the combine with attempting 
to dictate selling policies and terms. 
While ^roup spokesmen allege- that 
Paramount demands are excessive. 

Berger, however, made a trip to 
New York last week to iron out dif- 
ferences which &lso have kept The- 
atre Associates and 20th-Fox apart. 
Upon his return the combine signed, 
up with the distributor. 

ChouiQardi' who has tio ^plana ,at 
pWsent, was United Artists' «ity 
salesman before becoming general 
manager 'of Independent, theatres. 
At the time, trade circles here had 
him in line for a branch manager's 
post.' Kaolaa was head -booker for 
the £ddie Ruben Welworth- circuit 
tiefore he went with Theatre Asso- 
ciates. 



who Jn turn is being replaced by 
Evelyn Block. : 

John A. Reilly, until recently man- 
ager of the Metropolitan in Bloom- 
field, has been named pilot of the 
Mervis Brothers-operated Rial to 
here. 

Mercedes MiUer, former office 
manager's secretary at Metro, now 
is assistant cashier. John Mayer, Who 
liad been office manager before that 
job was discontinued, is now cashier. 

Morris Finkel- re-elected president 
of the AMPTO' of Western Pennsyl- 
vania at 27th annual cpnvention here 
last week. ^ 



Tycrs to Manatre Odeon, Tor<Hitai 

Toronto. 

Wannie Tyers, manager of the 
Capitol, Niagara Falls, will manage 
Odeon Theatres' Odeon, now under 
construction here at a cost estimated 
at $2,000,000 and due for opening 
next spring. 

In appointing Tyers to' his new 
post, prexy J. Earl ]!;aT;«oa' indicated 
that other prpmotions within the 
Odeon organization could be expect- 
ed to follow shortly. Before assum- 
ing tine managerial reins on the new 
Odeon, Tyers will study theatre op- 
erations both in England and the 
U.S. 



} Beopen Strand, DalUw 

Dallas. 

The Strand theatt*, completely 
renovated, is operating as'a deluxe 
downtowner' with a ■ > second-run 
policy. Approximately $100,000 has 
been spent on the house by H. & B. 
Theatres Inc., whose ton pfficials are 
Joy nI Houck, A. P. Brasliear and 
E. C. Houck. 

O. B. Bridges, formerly manager 
©f the Joy theatre when it was 
©wned and operated by the H&B 
circuit, has been ' named manager 
oC the Strand. Hous» was formerly 
called the Wade. 

Jinimy Curtis, former. manager «f 
the Tower Houston, has been trahs- 
lerred to. the downtown MajesUe in 
the same cii^ as asisistant . 1A. man- 
ager Eddie Bremer. 

The c. 0. i«on tSxxsaSt lias opened 
Its new Slaton theatre, In ^at«n, 
Texas. 

Eugene Kenyon has been named 
manager of the Village theatre, 
Fort Arthur. ' 

Robert N. Smith is the new owner 
and operator of the Lantex theatre, 
Uano, Texas. He has headquarters 
in Mission, Texas. ■ 

The Rio theatre, Bishop, T^xas, 
lormerly owned and operated by the 
.liong Circuit, has ' been purchased 
lay J/. S. ^Arnold,- whb aliso operates. 
tBie Odem at Odem. 

Ilealwri'a Seattle Exchange 

■ /'.v ■ ■ . ,.' •'„ Seattle. 

Realart Kcturea opened aif. fex- 
change here for its Favorite Films 
subsidiary, thus completing the out- 
fit's Coast distribution setup. Gordon 
. C. Wallinger branch manager; 

Robert Haase has' been, named' 
purchasing agent of ' Hamrick-Evfer- 
green, succeeding Marvin F«fx, who 
r«lurns as manager of the Orpheum. 
3Felmo Larison, ' former Orpheum 
manager, becomes manager of the 
lAusic Hall, succeeding Cyde Strout, 
•Who becomes manager at the Coli- 
Beum. ■ 

Jack Dudman moves fr^m^ -the 
Coliseum to manage the Musix Box, 
■with John Bardue shifting from 
manager of the latter "house lo be 
assistant manager of the Orpheum. 



execs here. A delegation told adver- 
tising manager Al Mahar that ex- 
hibitors are mapping some of jneir 
biggest shows of the\ycar for Christ- 
mas and New Year weeks, when the 
stores will have completed their 
holiday trade. Mahar promised to 
reconsider the ban as affecting 
theatres. ,. , , 

Days set for no display ads are 
Dec. 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 and Jan. 1. 
Downtown houses arc asking .for at 
least two-column, live-inch ads and 
the nabes for half as much. 

District Theatres Int« Midwest 

■ Akron. 

District Theatres Corp., Washing- 
ton, D. C, will extend its operations 
into the midwest by erecting a the- 
atre in Akron early in 1948. 

Work is begun on. a new 500-seftt 
theatre in Genoa, O., to be com- 
pleted about May 1, at an estimated 
cost of $60,000. 

Construction of the Mentar Drive- 
in Theatre, near PainesviJfe, 0., has 
begun, and will be ,cons]^leted for 
spring openintf. 

Art Cinema .SeUt Mldtawn, Buff 

Buffalo. ■ 

Midtown. downtown artte, has 
been sold by Art . Cinema Theatres, 
Inc.; of N. Y., to Eastern ' Theatre 
Corp. operating a dhain ot bandbox 
picture houses in New York, De- 
troit and Washington. . 
Lloyd M. Mills remains manager. 



Malittqaiat Mgr. 



•f lawa Hoi 



Fax-St. Fays $2.50 Divvy 

St. Louis, , 
Fox-St. Louis Properties, owner 
of the' Fox .theatre and Humboldt 
building, has declared .a dividend of 
";.5ft .on its preferred stock. 

The Harlem, 500-seater in East St. 
Louif catering to ' NegrO: trade, Jbas 
lighted as a unit of the Goldman- 
Leventhal-Tobin circuit 

The Rock. Island, 200-seater cater- 
ing to Negro trade, is being readied 
for opening in Venieei 111. It wil} be 
the town's sole film house. 

Ray Harrelson is readying his 
new Worden, a 250-seater, at Wor- 
den, IILrfor an early opening. 

The Strand, a 300*seater at Toco- 
hontasi lU:, 'has .opened under the 
ownership of J. W; Thompson, for- 
mer exhibitor In Highland, lU. 

Ken Wilson has succeeded his 
father, Robert H. Wilson, who died 
several weeks ago, in the operation 
of the I^dace; a SOQ^eater, Jackson, 
Mo. The elder Wilson,, who -was edi» 
tor and publisher of The Cash Book, 
a weekly paper in Jackson, operated 
the house while his son was in the 
liTavy. . . 

Dave Boss, Warner Bros, salesman 
with the Chicago branch, trans- 
ferred to St. Louis. and has been as- 
signed to the southeastern Missouri 
territory..''','' 

Twin-City Downtown 2d Buns 

. . Minneapolis. 
Second-runs are returning to both 
Minneapolis and St Paul downtowns, 
with independent houses in both* in- 
stances adopting the policy. World 
here, formerly the Newsreel, now" 
operated by Bennie Berger circuit, 
and the St Paul Garrlck* a Mont- 
gomery-Dale-Ryberg operation and 
erstwhile last-rnm house, launch the 
policjr this* week. 

There hasn't been a Minneapolis 
second-run. downtown since the 
Lyric, Minnesota Amus, Co. (Para- 
mount), became a moveover the- 
atre a- number of years, ago. 

Bnster Duckeite ta Texas 

Houston, Texas. 
Buster Duckette, from Long Beach, 
Cal,, has been named assistant to 
Raymond M. Hay, manager of the 
JCirby theatre here. 

George Caldwell has been named 
manager to .relieve Les Martin, 
skipper of the South Main drive-ih, 
during the latter's vacation. Cald- 
well wiU then manage the new Un- 
derwood & Ezell drive^n ■ theatre 
nearing completion in Beaumont, 



>«•*' 
Dei Moines. 
Bob Malmquist ia the new mana- 
ger of the Gem, Charles City, Iowa, 
operated by Central Statet Theatre 
Corp. ; • , .. 

Charles Finn has succeeded hun 
as manager of the Zephyr, Burling- 
,ton, la. "* 

Barge.. Iversea'k OMaka Twlay 

Omaha. 

Borge Iversen, of the Fort theatre, 
Bock Island Bl., has arrived to take 
over double job of, managing the 
State theatre and handling publicity 
for the Goldberg downtawn and 
neighboriiood cham of nine houses. 

He succeeds Al Palladipo,. mana- 
ger, and -Allen Koban, publicity and 
advertising manager. . 



Riblan Hps Gerry. Wotiuion 

/ Harrisburg. ■ 
Gerry WoUaston, manager of the 
State theatre, Harrisburg, has been 
named city manager for the Wilmer 
& Vincent division of - Fabian- the- 
atres. The post has vacant since 
the death of C. Fkqrd Hopkins, to 
1944. 

WoUaston will have supervMon; 
over the State, Colonial and Rio 
theatresi ■ 



Century's SSth Link 

Century circuit has closed for a 
21 -year lease with N. Y. Life Insur- 
ance Co. for a 2,000-seater in the 
latter's 3,000-apartment development 
near Queens Village, L. I. A. A. 
HoyeJl, .prez,' and Fred J. Schwartz, 
veepee, handled the deal for Cen- 
tury. Construction < of the theatre 
will begin shortly in the shopping 
and business area. It's Century's 
SStb houses 



ABBIIT Completed' Beard 

, Denver. 

With, the iSecent election of two 
new directors. Allied Rocky Moun 
tain. Independent Ilheatres now has 
a total of 10 state directors. 

Mewly-named to the board are 
Neil' Beezley, of Burlington, Colo, 
and Hobart Gates, of Custer, Wyo. 



iouis' )100G From Fight 



Contlnned from pafa 1 ; 



Fifmsfor Tele 

1 Confinued from page 2 ; 



- Bert Albright Becovcj-s 

Pittsburgh. 

Bert' Albright, manager of WB 
Btate in Washington, Pa., is back on 
the job again after a lengthy illness, 
and Paul Williams, from the , 'Etna 
theatre, has returned to his' own 
house. iSi 

Jeanette Rubinoff, former secre- 
tary to Joe Feldman, assistant zone 
manager for Warners,' has landed in 
New York as assistant to Maurice 
Bergman', U-I Eastern publicity 
director. 

Catherine Predmore, with WB 
booking office last nine years, has 
resigned to accept a student bookers' 
»ost with Columbia Pictures- She's 
being replaced by Frances .Verenese, 



GriSiih Bays Palace 

Silverton, Texas. 

W. O. Bearden and Preston Tower 
owners and operators of the Palace; 
Silverton, Texas, have sold their 
holdings to J. Lee Griffith, of Tulia. 

Bud Waldron is the new owner 
and operator of the Elk theatre, in 
Italy, Texasy formerly owned by Ted 
Waggoner^, / 

Shorts Producer's 125G Bonus 

Colorado Springs. 

Profit-sharing bonus of $125,000 
has 'been distributed to its 520 home- 
office salaries employees by the 
Alexander Film Co.* producers and 
distributors of advertising shorts. 
Bonus, believed to be the largest 
ever paid by a Colorado company, 
was rated on the basis of length of 
employment^ individual merit and 
according tg base pay. 

Company gave its employees $30,- 
000 in bonusses earlier this year and 
$125,000 similarly in 1946. Besides 
the 520 home ofQce , force, the firm 
has 150 employees in' the field. 



Protest Adiess News Days 

Rochester, N. Y. 
Plans of the Democrat & Ghroni« 
cle for seven adiess editions during 
the holiday season to save news- 
print brouj^t squawks from theatre 



were just as reticent about their 
negotiations, as was Fox. 

As for BBjO<Pilllb«i,.ftat company 
has oomfileteiy Reorganized its tele 
department. Work was formerly 
conducted by RKO Television Corp.,; 
of .which Ralph B. 'Austrian wai 
prez. Austrian subsequently joined 
the Foote, Cone Si Belding ad agency 
as tele exec veepee and the corpora- 
tion was dissolved. All video work 
is now conducted by the commercial 
film department of HKO-Pathe, 
under the supervision of ; the depart- 
ment's manager, Phillip Nichols. 

Patlie's Video Packares 

Plans are still nebulous as to how 
far Pathe will go in producing 
original packages for tele consump- 
tion, Nichols said. ITntil that's de* 
cided, the outfit will re-edit for tele 
its "This Is America" and "Sport- 
scope" series. Plan is to release 13 or 
26 issues of each, built into a 15- 
minute show that would have room 
for the usual sponsor's announce- 
ment. Nichols declared it hadn't yet 
been decided how current the shorts 
would be, but emphasized the dead- 
line would be much shorter than 
the one-year ruling now in effect. 

Plan is to sell the releases either 
to ad ageneies or directly to spon- 
sors, .with Nichols and his staff 
handling the sales personally. Un- 
less the American Federation of 
Musicians lilts its current ban On 
the use of union-made sound trackS 
for tele, Pathe will provide' disk 
recordings with each short, so that 
the musical background can be dub- 
bed In at the tele studio. 

Pathe plans eventually to produce 
original shows for tele purposes, 
Nichols said, but all these will be 
done entirely on Him. Outfit will 
steer clear of live programming en- 
tirely. 



end will be tremendously more than 
if he wins. Of all his fights, only 
the first Max Scbmeling match, in 
which Louis was flattened, was 
highly profitable. Der Mox bought 
the European rights for a song 
before the match and collected 
$250,000. 

Radio coverage will be the usual 
Don Dunphy-Bill Corum airing over 
ABC, plus NBC television, both un- 
der the GiUette deal which gives the 
Garden and 2(Mlh Century Sporting 
Club $310,000 annually, with $40,000 
extra each time Louis puts his title 
on the line. Ex-Captain Harry Sper- 
ber, USA, chief German interpreter 
at Nuremberg War Crimes Trial, 
will iab a special shortwave de- 
scription on State Department radio 
for Germany. 

Press coverage outdoes everything 
since last Louis-Conn, the $100- 
top turkey, with 137 press requests 
in addition to the regular 100 harry- 
ing Harry Markson, 20th Century's 
publicist. Twenty three foreign cor- 
respondents wlU cover, including a 
man from Joe Stalin's Tass Agency, 
This fight will mark the first time 
that the 20th Century Sporting Club 
has cut a boxer in for a part of the 
tele money at the Garden, although 
Louis reportedly participated .when 
he fought BiUy Conn in the outdoor 
Yankee Stadium in June, 1946.; 

New York Boxing Managers Guild 
has: been pressing the Garden of- 
ficials and MiHe Jacobs' ,20th Cen- 
tury outfit for inontbs to get their 
"video money. They based their de- 
mands on the as*un4>tion that tele 
was hurting the gate receipts and 
thus cutting into their fighters' 
purses. Both Jacobs and Garden 
prexy Ji^ Reed Kilpatrick consist- 
ently niaint«dAed, however, that tele 
was ereatinii hew fight fans and not 
keepinjj^ tiie inveterates ftway from 
the boxoffice.^ 

Until now,' Louis, as heavyweight 
champ, ia the only one who rated 
such a split. Other boxers instead 
were sometimes given a higher cut 
of the gate. 

Because Jacobs has- a hefty finan- 
cial interest in Louis himself, no 
20th Century off icial "would divulge 
how much money Louis is to receive. 
BU 'cut will co&e out of the dough 
which GiUette Safety Razo|: pays the 
fight outfit for rights to sponsor the 
event over the NBC tele web. Origi- 
nal contract caUed for Gillette to 
pay $175,000 for rights to all fights 
staged by 20^ Century at the Gar- 
den for one year, with that fee in- 
cluding the . Louis-Conn bout. Con- 
tract has since been renewed, but at 
an undisclQsed figure. 

Letting Louis $a tor some of the 
tele money, if s believed, wiU almost 
certainly pave the way for other 
boxers to get a cut of the proceeds 
and might even extend into other 
sports. Rumblings of baseball play- 
ers demanding a share of video 
money paid^ by sponsors to have 
regular season games aired have al-- 
ready been beard and the deal witb 
Loids may give ballplayers the first 
concrete foundation on which to base 
their claims.<- 

Louis-Walcott bout marks - the 
third heavyweight championship 
fight since the war's end to be tele- 
vised by : NBC. Web previously 
broadcast the luouis-Cann and Louis. 
Tami Mauriello fights under the 
three-way pact among the Garden, 
NBC and GiUette. 

Remote crew of 'WNBT, the web's 
N. Y., outlet, will use its standard 
two-camera link for the event. Fight 
wiU be fed to stations in Schenec- 
tady, Philadelphia and Washington, 
NBC tele announcer Bob Stanton 
will handle the blow-by-blow ac- 
count, with Hay Forest doing the 
preliminaries and color stuff on the 
main event. 



tioii that the Legion is bound by 
contract to deliver the bouts. Tht 
Legion formerly sought walvert 
from the fighters but abandoned that, 
feeling that under the boxing opm- 
mission; rule8,..a fighter must deliver 
once he's signed lot a match. 



Allied Guns 

SB Continued ttim page 7 s 
exhibs residing ASCAP from having 
to pay their own litigation damages. 

Sydney Samuelson> head:, of an 
Eastern Pennsylvania unit, who teed 
off the increased-itdmission attack, 
contended that .producers were not 
only defying efforts to halt inflation 
and were guilty of building public 
ill will but were also responsible for 
flood of municipal amusement tuxes. 
Saniuclson said his unit was con- 
sidering bringing dtimagc suits 
t^gainst distributors' who have in- 
sisted on increased scales on ground 
this was an invasion of a lower fed- 
eral court's decision declaring such 
procedure was in violatioii of anti- 
trust laws. Case he referred to is 
now pending before the U. S. 
Supreme Court. Delegates were 
urged by Samuelson to pledge them- 
selves not to buy any advanced- 
scale films so long as other product 
to keep their theatres open was 
available. 

Nate Yandns, of a N6w England 
unit, who. spearheaded the anti- 
ASCAP barrage, said the association 
had ready a three-pgronged plan i for 
curbing ASCAP, .tiulnely, asldng the 
U. S. Attorney Genieral to reopen the 
BMI consent decree obtained in 1941 
so exhibs can be made party Xr- it, in- 
troducing legislation in Congress and 
inviting wholesale suits for non-pay- 
ment of license fees. Yamins also in- 
troduced a resolution which would 
have Allied States units recommend 
that members not sign . ASCAP 
agreements imder any conditions or 
terms. 



Freedoni Traiii 

as CoatlnacA from paKc I as 

lanche of ^protests against action of 
the local authorities, the various 
groups said they feared serious trou- 
ble unless the matter could be 
dropped, with the Mayor, being 
rapped for his provocative address. 

Meantime, the CIO Industrial 
Council here came out with a sting- 
ing statement attacking the city's of- 
ficial stand, though expressing no 
surprise in view of the past record 
on racial and civil liberties matters, 
AFL's Central Trades and Labor 
Council, ~ after heated debate behind 
closed doors in executive session, 
tabled a motion criticizing the city 
commission, opposition to the action 
being led by a trio of union card- 
holdhig city officials who have long 
managed to keep the AFL "in line" 
locally. 

Letters are pouring into the news- 
papers on tile subject, discussion is 
rampant, and the city dads are 
sticlcing to their guns, even though 
all ottier southern cities are accept- 
ing the American Heritage Founda- 
tion plan for- all citizens to see the 
Freedom Train together, regardless 
of race. The Memphis date is ex- 
pected to go to one of the many 
Dixie locales that have bid for it. 



Fight Manager Sues To 
Bar Video From Stadium 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 

Superior Court has set Dec. 5 for 
hearing on a restraining injunction 
sought against the Hollywood Legion 
Stadium's televising of fights thwe. 
Action was brought by George Par- 
nassus, managing Fabella Chavez, 
who meets Buddy Jacklich at the 
stadium Dec. 12. Don Lee video 
outlet W6XAO was slated to tele- 
cast. Action stems from a refusal 
of funds to the fighter for extra 
video privileges, based on grounds 
of invasion of privacy, rendering 
services without compensationi etc. 

Fighter, maintaining he hasn't 
given consent to telecasting, names 
Don Lee as well as the Legion. But 
the station feels it isn't concerned 
with internal beefs, taking the posi- 



Grant-Cole 

ss Comtlaned from page 5 as 

er. It leaves Miss Fickford with 
only two reps on the board, which 
now consists of seven members, 
rather than the regular nine. 

Remaining are Vitalis Cbalif, an 
attorney relat-cd by marriage to the 
UA co-owner, and Sam Dembow, Jr., 
veteran film exec. Miss Pickford's 
partner in UA, Charles Chaplin, has 
four reps on the board. They are 
attorneys Charles Schwartz and 
Herbert Jacoby, both of Chaplin's 
counsel, SohwartS & Frohlich; 
Arthur W. Kelly, UA exec v.p., and 
E. C. Mills, former ASCAP general 
manager. Ninth board member is 
Grad Sears, UA prez. 

Miss Pickford is expected to name 
two new directors within two or 
three weeks. Their absence makes 
no practical difference in the voting, 
however, since it takes Six votes to 
pass a measure, meaning that the 
assent of at least one Fiekford xep 
itnust be attained. 



nCTURES 



Tuiier$, Color Fix In '48 



Continmd ftom p»(« S i 



f\m two Itav* beea tb* most ap- 
eirent W solid boxoilic* insuranc*. 
Because many of tha .forthcoming 
Wg miwicals will b« produced in one 
or Rnotlier form* of color, tlie two 
categories overlap in several in- 
stances, Metro is apparently placing 
the most emphasis on combining the 
two forms. Company will have at 
least six big Technicolor musicals 
during the next six months, includ- 
ing such top-budgeters as Irving 
Berlin's "Easter Parade;" Joe Eas- 
ternalc's "Three Daring Daughters;" 
"The Pirate," co-starring Gene Kelly, 
and Judy , Garland, end others. In 
• addition to the tunefllms in color, 
Metro also has scheduled "Master of 
tassie" and "Three alusketeers" for 
lensing in Technicolor, thus bring- 
ing its total of tinted nims to eight. 
gOtb's 7 Tn Color Plus Korda's 3 
Twentieth has seven Technicolor 
fihns corning up from Its own stu- 
dios, plus three from Sir Alexander 
Korda. These include two' musicals- 
Company will aflso offer three black- 
and-white musicals during the year, 
Including screen adaptations of the 
current Broadway legit hits, "Call 
Me Mister" and "Burlesque." Twen- 
tieth's list includes those to be re- 
leased during the entire calendar 
'.years.. ■■, ■ ■ ■ 

RKO will have four color films, 
three of which «re ,nutisicals, plus 
one tuner in blacJMind-white. Color 
$ix, all to he famished by indie 
producers, include Walter Wanger's 
"Joan," the Ingrid Bergman starrer; 
Samuel Goldwyn's "Song Is Born," 
the last of Danny Kaye's films for 
Goldwyn before he switches over to 
Warners, and two Walt Disney fea- 
ture cartoons. Single black-and- 
white tunefilm is .Iiddie Cantor's 
biopic, "If. You Knew Susie" (KKO). 
- Warners will taave two musicals, 
one in colot "and one monochrome, 
plus ''Adventure* bt Don Juan," 
Isrrol Flynn, starrer^ also on the color 
list. Musicals includa "My Wild Irish 
Kose" in color and "April Showers" 
In black and white. Universal-Inter- 
national will get Its single Techni- 
color film ta Walter Wanger's "Tap 
Itoots" and wlH also have two mono- 
chrome" mnsicals. -These are both 
adaptations of Broadway hits, includ- 
ing "Up Im Central'Park" (orii^lly 



sbheduled for color lensing but.later 
switched to monoclirome) and "Are 
You With It?" 

Colnmbte Tintless 

Columbia, usually good for at least 
two big color musicals a year, will 
have two tuners forthcoming in the 
next six months but both are to be 
in black and white. These are 
"Eternal Melody," a semi-longhair 
film starring Jan Kiepura and Marta 
Eggerth, and Rita Hayworth in 
"Loves of Carmen," For bolot, Co- 
lumbia will offer a Techni-processed 
"Return of Ocstober" and a Cine- 
color-prpcessed "Coroner's Creelc." 

Republic, with its financial in- 
terest in Trucolor, has fine films 
scheduled for ., lensing .in that pro- 
cess; Rep will also release one mu- 
sical in black and white. United 
Artists, whose indie producers are 
still encountering difficulties in 
lining up financing for their films, 
has eight musicals and. four color pix 
on its : schedule for-, the next six 
months. It's uncertain at this point, 
however, how many of these will be 
released in that time. 

Indies^ Colorplx 

Among the color films are Sey- 
mour Nebenzal's "Queen of Hearts," 
Charles R, Rodgers' "Scarlet 
Feather" and two George Pal and 
two Harman-Ising feature cartoons. 
Potential UA musicals include Sam 
Coslow's "Champagne for "Every- 
body;" Federal Films' "Babes In 
Toy land" and "Carmen from 
Kenosha" and Triangle Productions' 
"Stardust Road," the Hoagy Car- 
tnichael biofilm. In .addition, Hal 
Roach has scheduled Ms "Mr. Wil- 
mer'' for lensiqg in Cinecolor. 

Cinecolor will -get its bi^^est break 
through its recent takeover^ of Film 
Classics. FC has announced a sched- 
ule of at least 14 new films to be' 
produced during 1948, at least 60% 
of which will be lensed in Cinecolor. 
This would -add at least eight more 
possibilities "to tibe color lineup. 




MIAMI liACH 



OCEAN fOONT • MtOHit 4M4I(. 
fteiMMtitM lM«Mr«#alMr Jacob* 



THEmE (»>aiATING 

EXECUTIVE 
Now employMl SMks to imiko 
change. Will go anywhere. 

Ovar 20 yton' •xparhnc* with chain 
and ind*p*nd«nl erganiiotiom. Thar- 
owghly compatant in beoMngt buying, 
advarliting and handling of latent «• 
wail a> ihaolra aparation. - 
Inlarailad only in lucrotiva prop«tili*n 
to W4trrani malcing change. 
Alt rapliaa hald in tlrld confidanca. 

«DK 6733, Varialy 
154 W. 4««h Sl„ Naw Yark 19, N. Y. 



DISTRIBUTOR 
WANTED 

For Spanish language 

pictiMres. Feature length 

— beautiful musicals. 

Made in Argentina. 

P. O. Box 2069 
HollywKoed 28. Celifernid 



Trniiilio-€ote 

Contlnuea from paga 4 ; 



MilwWs 247,119 Seato 

Theatre survey of the Mil- 
waukee exchange territory, 10th 
in the series of 31 directories 
being issued by the Motion PiCf> 
ture Assn.r shows a total of 382 
theatres with 247,119 seats oper« 
atittg In that area. In addition! 
there are one drive-in theatre 
with an 800-car capacity and 19 
shuttered theatres with 7,484 
seats. ■ 

Of the total number of thea- 
tres, 176 are circuit-operated 
with remaining 221 owned by 
Indies having - less thati four 
houses apiece. ■ • 




notices^ from RKO-Radio. We be- 
lieve tliat tlie courts will uphold our 
•tand on principle' which we, now 
caanirmi As'.a Itoaimotm to the per- 
version of jusfica, history win record 
the temporary triumph of John 
Jlankin of Inlississippl, who, in the 
halls' of Congress, brought the cita- 
tion, debate to an end with a calcu- 
lated anti-Semitic reference. His- • 
tory will further record that a 
great many members of CoiycKss, 
to ihelr everlasting ahams, 'laivbed' 
and applauded. We, producer' and 
director of 'Crossfire,' a picture 
which opposes the degrading prac^ 
tice of anti-Semitism, , iedi that 
'Crossfire* will stand as a testament 
of our Americanism long after 
Rankin and Thomas are dead." 
: Iia'rdner, who recently collabo- : 
rated on the ."forever Amber" 
script, said: 

"I bdiev«^ the Motion Picture As- 
sociation lias done a' disservice to 
all its. employees and to the picture- 
going public. I don't intend to yield 
to their pr^sure just because they 
yielded to the pressure of the 
Thomas-Rankin committee.? 

Five of the "Unfriendly 10" are 
not under contract to any film stu- 
dio. They are Herbert Bibermari, 
director^ and Albert Maltz, Samuel 
'Ornitz, Jolm Howard Lawson and 
Alvah Bes^e^ "writers. 



Levied by Pitt. 



Pittsburgh, Dec. 2. 
Ignoring the violent protests of 
show business as we}l as the more 
than 100,000 Pittsburgh citizens who 
mailed in their objections in a mass 
postcard campaign, Council over tlie 
weekend enacted a 10% tax on all 
amusements within the city limits, 
to go into effect right after the first 
of the year. 

New levy, added to the existing 
20% Federal tax, will apply to pix, 
legit theatres, sports events, dances;, 
swimming pools', bowling . alleys, 
concerts and erven such non-profit, 
community enterprises as the Pitts-, 
burgh Symphony Orchestra .and the 
Playhouse. For night clubs, it'll 
amount to oiily a S% tax inasmuch- 
as council has ruled that "the 10% 
may be applied to only half of the 
check, figurine the other half to be 
for food charges. 

Film interests in open hearings 
±iad charged ttiat . tax was discnmin- 
atory «nd aliBAst confiscatory, claim- 
ing, furttiermoret -that it would drive 
a lot 'of businiess' into "the suburban 
houses and outiyiixg communities, 
where tiie 10% would not be in ef- 
fect i since it applies only to the 
city. Billboard, newspaper and ra- 
dio campaijpis, . in addition' the 
postcard bombardment:,' were 
launched in an- eflort to kill the tax, 
or at least cut down the amount, but 
all tliis iftad no effect on Couacil. 

Fittsburi^ i^ers are believed to 
have tak^n "their cue from Philadel- 
phia, were 10% tax has been in prac- 
tice for *ome time now, and weren't 
swayed by theatre men's figures tiiat 
the levy had cut in seriously on at- 
tendance and grosses there. To every 
protest. Council asked protesting in- 
terests to suggest an alternate tax "to 
meet the increased costs of city 
government. ' 

In everiy , case, a levjr: oa. payrolls , 
was proposed, but Council and 
Mayor liawrence ignored this sug- 
Kestton, claiming they bad previ- 
ously pledged themselves not to tax 
payrolls and wouldn't .go back on 
their word. Word of final passage 
of budget recommendations cast 
town's amusement interests in gloom 
and they're fearful of tihe worst, 
particularly in face of already de- 
clining business anyway. 



C Grand Jury 
Continued from paga 4 bsbbJ 

citations were based upon a viola, 
tion of the Bill of Rights and that, 
therefore, the Attorney General had 
eveiry right to refuse to prosecute. 

Last week also, Abram F. Myers, 
chairntan of the board of the United 
States Exhibitors, congratulated the 
majors for barring the cited 10 from 
employment in tlieir studioS; In a 
Wire to Eric Johnston, Myers said: 

"I have read with satisfaction your 
statement of policy in behalf of the 
major producing companies. Motion 
pictures are an important communi- 
cation medium and must hot be per- 
mitted to fall under the control of 
any political group, least of aU sub- 
versive elements. I am moved to 
send you this word of commenda- 
tion because public dissatisfaction 
with the conduct of the production 
branch of the industry reacts against 
the theatres. Congratulations on a 
good start. We hope you will follow 
through." 



Move Vs. Mids, Kiffing fiiodbde; 
Qty Gets PoMic Hearing Dec 24 



Minneapolis, Dec. 2. 

After S. p. Kane, North Central 
Allied executive director, pleaded 
for postponement in order tot have 
time to prepare "an Intelligent and 
thoughtful" picture of the Minneap' 
oils theatre situation, the city coun- 
cil license committee voted to bold 
a public hearing Dec. 24 on the ap- 
plication of Nathan Shapiro, former 
night clD(b Owner, for a license to 
build and operate a local neighbor- 
hood theatre. . 

Shapiro's efforts represent the in- 
itial move in a compaign to break 
the present virtual "monopoly" by 
which Minneapolis theatre owners 
have blocked new theatre construc- 
tion in the city limits for more than 
10 years. If he gets his license it's 
assured there will be a number of 
other applications. ^' 

Shapiro has the solid backing of 
business men and civic leaders in 
the district where he wants to build. 
Scores of the section's residents, 
some carrying signs labeled "We 
want a Theatre," crowded the coun- 
cil committee room when the matter 
came up. 

. Minneapolis members of North 
Central Allied, independent exhibit- 
ors' body, voted unanimously at an 
"emergency, meetmg" to fi£ht the 
license "with every mteans at. our 
disposal.'' They allege their invest- 
ments would be' jeopardized and en- 
tertainment standards lowered by 
new theatre construction. However,, 
the Minnesota Amus. Co. (Para- 
mount circuit) is on the sidelines; 



](l»ls. ]1iTive4iis Mapped' 
Group of it independent exhibi- 
tors wbo have banded togetiher la- 
build Twin City drive-in theatres 
and engage in other amusement en- 
terprises to combat "invasion"' of 
the local field by outsiders, have 
plcms completed for one drive-in 
theatre each in Minneapolis and St. 
Paul, as starters. Each will have 800- 
automotdle capacity. The sites have 
been Chosen 'and it is hoped td have- 
the drive-ins ready by next spring. 
At present there is only one Twin 



built by an outside group last sum« 
mer. 

The group of Twin City, independ- 
ents calls itself Minnesota Enter* 
tainment Enterprises. It has electjpd 
Harold Field pi-esident{ Ted Mann, 
first vice-president; Ben Friedman, 
second vice-president; Abe Kaplan, 
treasurer; Henry Greene, secretary, 
and Dolores Lundqulst, assistant 
secretary. Board members are 
George Granstrom, Eddie Ruben, 
M. E. Montgomery, Field/ Mann^ 
Kaplan and Greene. 



VInnicof Plans 5 More in Cal. 

Los Angeles, Dec. 2^ 
Harry VInnicof has announced a 
$1,000,000 program for construction 
of five tbeatfes to increase the 
Southern California Amusement , Co, 
neighborhood chain, nqw number* 
ing 47 film houses. Sites for the new 
theatres have been bought in Loa 
Angeles and San Fernando Valley. 

Building will .start as soon as tha 
government eases its restrictions on 
construction. 



S New Kansas Houses 

. Kansas City, Dec. -2, 
Bonner Sprhigsir Kans., near Kan> 
sas City, is to have two theatres. Al- 
bert O'Rea, owner of the Iris, in 
building the second theatre, wilk m 
spring opening in sight. 

C. V. Crocker, owner .of the 
Crocker theatre, Uly^s, Kans,. is 
building a second house in the i 
town. 



Kalmann-Wehrenberr Win 

St. Louis, Dec; 2. 
Clarence Kaimann and Fred Weh« 
«renfoere last week won the first 
round in a court, battle to construct 
a 1.400-Gar drive-in theatre in .St*'' 
Louis County. Although "the SX. 
Louis County Plan Commission last 
Nov. 4 «ave: the green light for the 
construction of the"theatre, 150 rest- 
dents in the vicinity .applied to the 
St. Louis County court for an ia- 
jumtioa against the Kaimann and 
Wcbrenberjf plans. 
iPlaintifts assert they'll -appeal , iht 



City drive-in theatre viiich was. County Court's, decision. 



Niew York Tfieofr^ 



DANNY KAYE*ViRGINIi MAYO 

m coioi tr ncNNKOMijgiklnKIMUlF' 



CFIa. NIteries [ 
COBtianed fimn. .VMie 1 m^mimf 

spending win eq.ual that of the war 
time years. Another measurement 
being taken into account by many 
Florida bonifaces is the fact that 
Saratoga had a disastrous season. 
They're now saying that as goes 
Saratoga, so goes Florida. 

The horse-racing situation also put 
a gloom over the boite ops. Nag 
owners anticipate a 40% drop in rev- 
enue, which was borne out in Mon- 
day's (1) Gulfstream opening when 
only 13,642 attended and handle was 
a comparatively offish $608,730. Park 
closed yesterday because of a fee 
dispute between track officials and 
racing men. Unless till is settled,, 
dub owners may lose considerable 
revenue. 

However, the Colonial Inn, Hallen- 
dale, about 18 miles outside of Miami, 
seems to be the only spot that , is cer- 
tain of hitting the black side of the 
ledger. Gambling Ls legal in Broward 
county Where the Colonial is situ-- 
ated, and consequently, they're shell- 
ing out coin for performers with 
more assurance than their Miami 
Beach counterparts. To the opening 
show Dec. 25, which was to have 
consisted of Ray Bolger, Joan Ed- 
wards and Henry Busse and Pupi 
Campo bands, has now been added 
Danny Thomas. The spot also ha* 
Joe E. Lewis, Tony Martin and Jane 
Froman booiked for stibseq,uent 
shows. 



RABJO OTY MUlIC IIAU~~ 

BoiateteUer Center 

M-G.M."GOaD NEWS"! 

JunaAUYSON • • Patar lAWIOM) 
X PatrUla Kknlwll - JMn JKCNtkm , 

III mNMICOLM 
] ; ' GUAT CHMSTMAS Sf AQE SHOW ] 



STAKTS THTOB., DEC. 4 



Hatbulna 

■' SUd 
HSNK'EID 

Robert 
WAUCKR 

in M-G-M'e 

R'Soag..,of, le«»' 



Xoiralne 
KOANAN 

Bettr Jane 
WATfOM 

Jehnny . 
MOR«AN 




iitiMfWia»MS 

LMiilz1ElCIII«-lM»IIUII1E 
MMliilllinTaN-hiiiirCKXr 



INfSllMEl 



IN KIKHI . 

PiidWHITEMM 

■ . MIMICK. 

eeMWODON 
Mari^iSwnlfEU 



KEEPS 



■*V MMStM 

MHUU-IIEtllCii 




Nip Pix for Nisei 

Tokyo, Nov. 25 
Nippon Newsreel Co. last week 
completed arrangements to hav;e its 
newsreels ait-shipped weekly to the 

States- 
Films are scheduled to be shown 
prln«ipally before Nisei audiences. 



"PALACE H 




The THEATRE GUILD prasenf* ■ 
^ the RKO RADIO PICTURE m 

■"MOURNING BECOMES" 



I ELEGTRA," 

■ a»*ll,5:t5»iJ*1»MI 
p.lBMWP Sf «» ONir 



COOPER GOCDARl. 



' u 



TBuevisioiv 



Wednesday, December 1947 



4-As Ban OD Fdnuiig live B'casts 
IVIay Stymie Netwwk Setiv Plans; 
Fix Needed for libraiy, Stn^ Use 



Television broadcasters' optimistic-t' 
liopes of rushing their network set- " 
lips by canning live shows oh flljn 
may be dashed by a solitary clause 
In the tele contract now being 
worked out for all talent unions 
by the Associated Actors and Ar- 
tistes of Amefica. That clause would 
prohibit the filming of any; live 
broadcast. 

Exact definition of the clause and 
Its wording in the final contract, 
which is expected to be forwarded 
to broadcasters within the next two 
cr three weeks, haven't yet been 
determined. George Heller, exec 
secretary of the American Federa- 
tion of Radio Artist's and head of 
the 4A's video committee, has been 
unavailable for comment. Consensus 
among broadcasters, though is that 
advaniit! reports indicate they'd be 
Vnable to record any live show on 
film. They base their belief on a 
similar ruling incorporated in the 
Actors' Equity charter. 

Equity's ruling prevents the film- 
ing 'of any show' for any purpose 
tinlei^s full' week's salary is paid 
to each member of the cast. Several 
legit producers have ; attempted to 
film their own productions, either 
to make possible a more leisurely 
ctudy of the aytovs' work or to' fur- 
iiish a permanent record of , 'the 
show. Equity .has in all eases liixed 
« waiver on the ruling, and- the 
producers have found it pro{ii^itive 
In cost. Lat^t' instanced Agnes 
deMille, who asked permission' last 
■week to hav6 "Allegro'' \ recorded 
on film- for her .personal use.. Equity ' 
turned down her requei^t for a 
waiver. • 
Becorder Ruled Out , 
: Incorporation 'of such a '-clause i.o 
the forthcoming, video, contract 
might prove :of incalculable harm 
to broadcasters. . It -woul^, rule out 
entirely ' any ''tis^ <>£ such a dev&e as 
the kinescope! recorder for anythini^ 
))Ut xemote -shows. And'mi^^h'as 
broadcasters^ would welcome' a.^on^ 
tract with the 4A's' after many y«ars 
€f impatient Waiting," tliej're almost 
certain to balk at any pact ' that 
■/would prevent sthem from recording 
•their shows on film. - . , 
1^ .Xi]^$cope,',recorder, now njearing 
■ (Cdntimued on page 34) ' ' ' ' 



Discrimination Se^ii By 
^ KSTP in Nix «n Tower 



lits 



RUPPERfS PRO GRID 
PLAYOFF SPONSORSHIP 

Ruppert Brewery enters television 
fcponsprship for the 'first time Dec 
14, When the beer outfit will bank- 
roll DuMont's pickup of the All- 
America football conference playoff 
game between the N. Y. Yankees and 
the Cleveland Browns. 

Fact the conference officials have 
okayed the RuM>ert contract indi- 
cates the pro football toppers Won't 
have any aversion to accepting 
money from a brewery for tele 
rights to a championship game, as 
evidenced by Baseball Commissioner 
A. B. ("Happy") Chandler during the 
last World Series. Chandler turned 
down a bid of $100,000 for the Series' 
video rights from Rheingold, despite: 
the bid <being the only one that met 
his asking price. Ballantine's; inci- 
dentallyi has already signed to spon- 
sor -tele broadcasts of the baseball 
Yankees' regular season games next 
year.-^' ■ 

Football , game, to be played at 
Yankee Stadium, N;Y., will be aired 
by WABD, DuMonfs N.Y. outlet, 
and transmitted via - coaxial cable 
to WTTG (DuMont, Washington). 
Bill Slater, who's .announced the 
football Yanks' ^£ames during the 
regular season, will repeat ' on . the: 
playoff match, Yankee baseball team 
was formerly owned by the -late Col. 
Jacob Rupperti head of the brewery 
firm, licnnen & Mitchell is the 
agency; 



> Minneapolis,'' Dec. 2, 
, Metropolitan alrjiorts commissi6n 
.lor Twin (pities tentatively nixed 
'XSTP's request for approval of a 
new 5€S-foot television, atid FM 
tower near "University aveni^e, at 
Minneapolis-St. Paul city limits 
Commission approve recomm^nda- 
: tioh of its area plaining commiitc^e 
that height of the tower be restricted 
to 471 feet, a reduction of 9T feet 
This drew heated 'rejoinder from 
Stanley Hubbard, KSTP. 
~ Hubbard pointed . out the tower 
had beeil approved! by state^tiepart- 
ment of aeronautics and is within 
regulations of- -civil -aeronautics ad- 
ii(iinistratio94 He- charged ^prejudice 
«igaln$t a St. Paul'' station, ^jq^i.that 
' St. Paul members of the cominifsion,, 
which is set up'-to govern .airpdrts 
facilities in Twin Cities area, .voted 
' against permit without re.alizing in- 
tercity competitions involved. ■ • 

He sMd reduction of' the tower 
would deprive 50,000 potential tele- 
vision watchers of service, restriet- 
-ing the area'by three mil<^> He said 
he is a plane owner himself and any- 
one flying at an altitude where the. 
tower would be a danger would be 
' endangering city residents. 

Commission hinted final approval 
might be held up pending a decision 
whether the Twin Cities' prime air- 
port facility shpuld be moved from 
Its present site 'at 'Wold-Chamber- 
Iain field to another in suburban 
Anoka, much further, out, 
- Commission meanwhile approved 
a request for a- new radio tower to 
be built by Bethesda Free church in 
-Minneapolis: Tower would be -under 
900 feet in height. 

\- Referring to KSTP case, J^obert 
Aldrich, commission executive di- 
rector, said Air 'Transport asaOiiia- 
tion standards set a structural height 
of 1,375 feet above sea level at pro- 
posed' sTfe for the tower. Ground ele- 
vation ther$ 904 feet, thus re- 
fttrictiitg structure heiglit to '471 f6et. 



Anto Finns Read^ 
FidliSde Phnge 

Automobile manufacturers, who've 
Jtev^r been among the .top fiidio; 
spenders, are ' exp.ected to plunge 
into television full-scale after the 
first of the year. '.Chief reason for 
this is the feeling- among many au- 
tomotive officials that tele offers 
them>an ideal medium: : 

With : almost every car on . the 
market still at a premium, manu- 
facturers ^ee no heed for spending 
big money on radio shows to.' fur- 
ther their -sales, Most of them, con- 
sequently, are interested mainly in 
institutional plugging that will keep 
their names before the public as in- 
surance against the time when new 
cars will be more plentiful. Be- 
cause of tele's small cost as com- 
pared to a big network AM show 
and because tele is concentrated to- 
day . in the big money markets, 
manufacturers see it as a natural 
for filling all their needs. ■ ' 
• Ford ■ Motors, . oijly automotive 
sponsor of a bigtime radio show io- 
day, is also in the minds of cun' 
peting companies readsung a ti^le 
campaign. Ford currently is the 
biggest advertiser on video, spon- 
soring- shows in most of the tele 
markets. . Other manufacturers are 
already worrying about what such 
n pne-company operation might do 
to them in terms of future 'sales and 
so are planning their , jump on the 
iVideo b'ahdWagon; 
la ad£lition to the institutional 
(Continued on page 34) 




KLZ'« Nevir Promotion Manager 

JOHN . CONNORS 

• Connors moves into hla new Job 
from KLZ's writing staff with 11 
years of radio and advertising 
aKency experience plus four y^ars of 
Array public relations work behind 
him, He'll'kee^ KLZ's oft-cited pro- 
motion activities in. high gear. : 

KLZ, DENVER. 



Men^Penmt 
Obyed by FCC; 
More Bids h 



. •• Washington, Dec. 2, . 

The FCC last week handed out 
the first commercial television perT- 
mit to Memphis, and, on the re- 
ceiving end, accepted a halfodozen 
more bids for tele operation in the 
top markets, ■ , . 

Orant went to tlie Memphis Pub- 
lishing Co:) licensee of station WMT 
and publisher of the Comniercial 
Appeal. Company, which boasts of 
having 'one of the first FM stations 
in the Deep South, will get a chance 
to make television historj^ on the 
No, 4 channel.' 

Meanwhile, the Cherry, arid Webb 
Broadcasting Ci>., lidensee ot IVPRO, 
put in a bid" for the No. 13 chan- 
nel for a 5 kw picture transmitter 
in Providence, ' R. I. Out in San 
Diego, the Jack Grdss Broadcast- 
ing Go: came through with the sec-' 
ond bid for tele operation ' in the 
town. Company operates KFMB, 
San Diego, ' and Wni apenci $id0;4a5 
for a television .plant, nsuig the Vo' 
8 channels 

Also on the Coast, S. H. Patter- 
son owner of If SAN,- .applied for 
the No. 9 channel for San Fran- 
cisco. He will put $131,000 ' in plant 
and $6,000 a month in operating ex- 
penses. 

From New Orleans, WDSU, havf 
ing recently completed new studios 
and an overall expansion,: asked for, 
(Continued on page 34) 



Pitt/s Brace of Tele Bids 

; Pittsburgh, Dec, 2. 

First two stations here under the 
gun with applications for television 
were KQ'V and'ICDKA, both of which 
filed at about the same time. 

KDKA's video outlet will serve 
some 2,500,000 persons in a 4,500 
square-mile area. Coverage would 
extend 40 miles from the transmitter 
site which will' overlook the Oak- 
land district. Joe Beaudiuo, head of 
KDKA, says minor ' changes in the 
station's 500-foot FM tower will en- 
able it to carry both FM and tele- 
vision programs. 



kgmy Men Feel They're B^ 

By Secrecy (rf S«t Mfrs. 



Television' would, make greater 
strides in the sale of facilities, It is 
believed in some • advertiser, quar- 
ters, if 'the set manufacturers were 
less inclined to make a secrecy of 
their business: These obseryers 
point out that as an industry video 
set makers play theii^ cards too close 
to their chests,, being loath to dis- 
close information on -the number of 
sets they've' turned out. ; 

This lack of facts and figures, runs 
the complaint, precludes any ap- 
proach to measuring costs in rela- 
tion to potential listeners. Agency 
men are, on. the other hand, wonder- 
ing whether they might be able to 
get around this particular yardstick, 
-one to which the advertiser has been 
conditioned by radio and other me- 
dii^ by talking rather terms of 



"sales impact" as far as television is 
concerned. In other words, instead 
of using per listener as a eost basis, 
the buyer of video should consider 
the exceptional power that the new 
medium exerts, because not only of 
its novelty but its uncharted spec- 
tator reactions. 

It may" be - recalled that In the 
early days of radio the novelty factor 
played an important part inrthe re- 
lation between sales and per listener 
cost.. It was found that sales ex- 
ceeded cost by a wide margin, not 
so much because facilities and pro- 
grams were so cheap as the fact that 
people "bought the product out of 
the sheer novelty of being ask(id to 
dp so by radio voices. Also out of 
appreciation, as well, for the enterf 
tainment, etc., afforded by radio. 



i Television Reviews :: 
' ♦♦♦«♦«♦«♦♦♦*««♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦ ' < 



Cp biuii froQjk Newffedb 

FOOTBAIiXi ROUNDUP: Television in the.east is not doing a good 
football job. It's been getting by on the novelty angle. Take Rowan's 
92-y«rd run against Navy, A»y vlewec wanting to find out what 
really happened on that play wiU have to see the newsreels. The tele 
version merely showed Rowan going through the line, cutting to his 
left and scampering alone the rest of the way, How'or why he got in . 
the clear so quickly remained a secret. Subsequent newspaper ac- 
counts spoke of two blocks that shook Rowan free. Tele showed neither ' 
of them, Tlie fault? Closeups. This angle narrows the field so much ' 
for the cameramen they have missed play after play all season, A ■ 
medium shot (the longer view) would' protect both cameraman and 
.viewer. ■ .■■-.':., ■"" 

But the video directors of the mpbile units, the boys who call the ' 
camera shots and lens angles, can't think in any other terms except 
"closeup." So instead-of having the best seat in the place, midfleld and ' 
up high where he can see everything, the viewer flnds> himself sitting 
on the bench—the worst seat in the joint. This is going io become an v 
aggravation when the novelty wears off. , ' 

Someone might also ask the camera directors what's so fascinating 
about a closeup of a football flying through the air on a pass or kick. 
Because of this, tele missed the drama and excitement of Swiacki's (Co- 
lumbia) big day against Army. NBC has. fallen into the steady' routine 
of the medium shot for the huddle and then the closeup for the play. 
Between a man in motion and ends split wide, qujick handoffs, pitch- ' 
outs, spins, and fakes, the cameraman d'oesn't know where the ball is 
haU the time. But it's not his fault when he muffs a play. The me* 
dium shot would' protect him, especially on Ijlocked kicks, and reduce .- 
the necessity of fast camera pans which is eonfusing 1:o the eye on the 
screen.. • ■ ' ■ ■ ■ ■!■.-■ - . 

The way is stands, camerawise, there ii^ much television can learn 
about football from the newsreels. It will also see something by 
picking up Sunday's N. Y. Herald Tribune (Nov. 30) and studying the 
six column picture on page one of .the sports section. It is a reproduc- 
tion of Rowafi's run as television should have and could have but did : 
not show it. It is the camera angle tele must come to when the ball ' ' 
goes into play. For mobile video directors the lesson is that the entire 
Navy team is in this photograph with each figure large enough for easy 
identification by number.' Thig is the view that would give the viewer 
the entire pattern of play, and until, television- does ;so it will only be 
doing half a job. 

i?»»f ♦♦♦♦♦♦ t»»»»»»»«»»»* > ^ — * 

FCC to Explore 

InifolMiS^ 

Washington, Dec. 2. 
The PCG Will explore the stock 
ownership "management interest 
of Paramount I'ictures in the Allen 
B. DiOtont Litbs anil Par television 
subsidiaries* ih iBostori Bhd Detrqit 
at a consolidated hearing here Jaw: 5, 
ii was :' announc64 last Friday (28).* 
In the sanie packafe the FCC tabbed 
for hearing all tele 'bids for Detroit,- 
Boston aiJd Cleveland — where the- 
Paramount companies and DuMont 
are competing fop stations. • 
The CominlSw fejciilained it was 
using tJUs teChai^ue of getting: evi- 
dence pnth^recoi'd on the extent 
of Par^s centrol over DuMont, ■which 
has an iinmiedWI^; impact on bids of 
DuMont fbip dleveland; New England 
Theatres, Inc. for Boston, and United 
■Detroit 'ThefttreS/ lor Detroit. The 
las* tevd visibmiiiw^ P^r sub- 

Mdiaries. All biddei's for these three 
cities Will participate in the Par, 
FCC: squabble on the issue of com- 
mon ; control of IJuMont, and then 
hearings will be split to bea'r in- 
dividual bids of : all comjpahies for 
each- of the three cities: ' ' • 

Comml^oni^S'^: Ilosel Hyde and 
Robert P: Jones iUssehted from this 
procedure, prefiwrrlng instead to have 
the Paramount '•DiiMont ownership 
issue handled in a separate hearing. 
They make the point that the other 
bidders for scarce television spec^i 
truni in Boston, Detroit and Clever 
land ha'Ve a gooc( chance to gang up 
on Par and DUMont as it now stands: 
At the tiresent time, the film com- 
pany and DuMbhf; are iii the ppt for 
a total oi ifline:'Waeo )Statiohs: Be- 
tween them they have gotten fiv* 
grants, and imless PCG finds that 
far is no longer in ia position to con- 
trol DuMpht, will haVe to drop their 
ftur other ■bfds4lncluding those in 
(ae'veland; Boston 'and Detroit. 
wPeBowtai are Ihvo^^^ in the 
qievelana video scrap: DuMont; 
WGAR Broadcasting Co, and United 
Broaddasting- Go. ( WHK) 

Competition in Boston Includes; 
WW England Theatres, Inc.; Empire 
Coil . Co.; Boston Metropolitan Tele- 
vision Co.; New England Television 
CO. and the Maisshchusetts Broad-' 
casting Corp. (WCOPj. 
_ In Detroit, United Detroit Thea- 
tres, Inc. i; competiiig with WJS 
and. the Fort I ndustry Co. (WJBK.). 

_. ' Omaha, Dec. 2. 

First televising of a football game 
m Nebraska took place when the 
Univ. of Nebraska - Athletic Deipt. 
and WOW sent out the iifebraska- 
Oklahoma game. . 

It was not a broadcast by radie 
but was a ''piped" show only a short 
distance from the field. But it broke 
the ice. Result of the experiment 
was good from a technical atand- 
point. 



MISSUS GOES A-SHOFPING 
"With John Beed King, Jimmy Browo 
Director: Francesi Buss 
30 Mins.; Wed., 1:30 p.m; 
SONDB4 PRODUCTS 
WCBS-TV-!-CBS, N. Y. . 

(Afodern Alerchftndistno) 

Jphn Reed King's "Missus Goes A- 
Shopping" offers 'the best proof to 
date of the feasibility of staging cer- 
tain types of television shows "on 
location," as CBS execs have termed 
their 'out-of^the-studio offerings., 
Whether the techniques, adopted by 
CBS after it shuttered its studios 
last spring, can be followed for all 
types of shows remains .to be seen. 
It certainly added ,plenty of color 
and authenticity, however, to the 
King opus. 

"Missus," long a radio standby, was 
staged in the CBS studios for months 
without a sponsor; After a year's 
hiatus, the jv'eb gave it another 
chance by presenting it in aifactu'al 
grocery store, Response from po- 
tential sponsors was evidently tre- 
mendous, since CBS succeeded . in 
signing four of them to .a. year's con- 
tract on a rotating basis. 

Show itself, with' King emceeing 
an audience participating. -stint with 
various women, shoppers attracted 
to the store, is corny as ever. House- 
wives seem to go for it; however, 
which is . all a sponsor need be in- 
terested in, and there's no question 
that the hausfraus taking part in 
the proceedings are having fun. 
With. years of experience in handling 
the fickle femmes, King has acquired 
a surefire' knack ot Icidding them 
along and makin'g them like: it, and 
with an able assist from Jimmy 
Brown; as his "Uncle Jim,", makes the 
knack pay off. 

Show caught (26) was staged In a 
grocery store on Long Island, With 
(Continued on page 34) 



MITCH GRAYSON INTO 
K&E'S VIDEO DEPT. 

Accent on hypoed planning for 
future television operations by the 
Kenybn & Eckhardt ad agency was 
indicated in announcement Monday 
(1) by William' B. Lewis,, veepee and 
radio director, of the appoihtment-of 
Mitchell Grayson to • ;the agency's 
video department. ■ , ' ' • 

Grayson until last week directed 
"Superman'^ for K&E's Kellogg ac- 
count. In addition, he has recently 
directed a Mutual documentary on 
"War Babies" and a fo'ur-wfeb-spotf- 
sored, plattered dramat saluting .the 
Ad Council (see Sadio Reviews),' 

In his new assignment, Grayson 
will work with Garth Montgomecy. 
Tom Carpenter is also now assigned 
to K«eE's tele department. 

While the agency at present has 
no shows in video, there are strong 
indications that K&E toppers are 
blueprinting a major drive to set the 
agency among the leaders when tele 
emerges into a full-blown ad me- 
dium. Grayson's first assignment, 
Leivis said without elaboration. Will 
be "preparation of a new television 
series for the agency." 



Other Televiriou New* 
on Page 34 





JAM 



CBS' Topj*ricdl Bnuidrust 

CBS' program department coin splurge is probably unequalled' among 
any of the other networks or among the top agencies along Madison- 
Park sivenue in N, Y. There's a reported $175,000 a year salary nut, 
ior example, behind the flve-^ma'n brain trust comprising veepee Hub- 
bell Robinsojl) Jr., Harry Ackerman, Who joins up next month; Ernie 
jUIartin,' who masterminds the Coast comedy ' shows, and the produc- 
tion team of Cy Howard ("My Friend Irma") and Irving Mansfield 
("Godfrey's Talent Scouts"). 

. CBS acknowledges that's a lot of coin to channel into one segment oL 
operation, particularly since the 175G represents only a partial break- 
down of programming department costs, but the web is also cognizant 
of one of the swiftest payoffs in network annals— "Irma" and Godfrey, 
both moderately-budgeted', hitting the Top 15. bigtime within three 
months after bowing in comtifierci^ny. 



'1^ &ter' Curb Neurotidsm, 
Ciochs Marriage; Tifii It Says Here 



By JEBBT BAXTEa 

' Chicago, Dec. 2. 

Scientific stamp of approval on 
soap operas as "psychologically bene- 
ficial to listeners" is contained in a 
127-page study of "Big Sister" to be 
Issued this, week (4) by Social Re- 
seajrch, .Inc„ .ol Chicago. Said to be 
one of the first studies of the effects 
Of daytime serials on individual lis- 
teners, it was undertaken for CBS 
last year,- following an outburst of 
^nti-soaper beefs. ' . 

Findings, based on psychological 
and , socio-economic studies of . 70 
women in Chi and Detroit, are tliat 
"Big Sister" curbs Deurotic t^den- 
cies among listeners;, strengthens 
the marriage tie; provides techniques 
for solving emotional and inter-per- 
sonal problems; directs private rev- 
eries and. fantasies into socially ap- 
proved channels of action; increases 
women's , sense of security and im- 
portance; and, finally, has a positive, 
adaptive effect on listeners' person- 
alities. . 

' investigators leamedthattheaver- 
' (Continued on page 39) 



CBSSettii^Deal 
FwRomeyl^w 

Mickey Rooney will probably do 
a dramatic series on CBS starting 
this winter, with the network pro- 
ducing the show and trying to land 
a sponsor for it. The deal is vir- 
tually set, and is likely to be sewed 
up. by the end of the week. 
The show will not be the 'one 

..Which the William Morris agency has 
been peddling. the last year pr so 
for the fllni star, but has been 
worked out 'by CBS. The writer- 
producer staS foi} the series will 

■ probably be assigned within a few 
days. 

Ko time spot is 'disclosed for the 
stanza, which will air from HoUy- 
wood. 



Nesbitt Mulled as Co-op 

Deal is in the works for revival of 
John Nesbitt's "Passing Parade" as 
a co-op offering on' the Mutual web. 

Package has been offered the net 
by Feature Productions (Schwimmer 
& Scott agency) , Chicago, but the 
web hasn't made a final decision. 



GiimySimiBsIn 
Coke Show Scram 



Coca Cola this , week suddenly 
found itself sans a f emme vocalist 
for its Sunday evening CBS show 
when Ginny Simms .gave notice that 
she was checking off the show and ■ 
returning immediately to the Coast. 

Coca Cola tried to persuade Miss 
Simms to stay on at least another 
week, pending the finding of a suit- 
able replacement, with the colie 
company's agency, D'Arcy, thrown 
for a last-minute audition Ibss. How- 
ever, Miss Simms chimed in with a 
definite-nix. 

Checkout of Miss Simms took 
everybody by surprise, 'particularly 
since the show, on which she's co- 
featured with the Percy Faith orch., 
has quickly nurtured into one of the 
brightest programming stanzas in 
Coca Cola's air career. Only reason 
given by the singer is that she's 
anxious to go back to the Coast and 
her family. (It's been a. N. Y.- 
originatiDg"show since its inception.) 

Don Richards, of -Finian's -.Rain- 
bow,' goes in as this Sunday's sub, 
and for the next few weeks show 
will have a gueststar policy.. 



LOTSii eeiPES 






DORom urn 

MOPPED BY NAB 

.Dorothy Lewis, coordinator of 
women's pcogcmnming activities for 
the National Assn. of Broadcasters, 
is being dropped from NAB's pay- 
roll ' immediately after the Assn. of 
Women Broadcasters, femme branch 
ot the NAB, holds its convention in 
Washington next Jan. 28-31. NAB I 
spokesmen, while not inclined to | 
elaborate on the reasons, admitted 
this on being questioned yesterday 
(Tues.) as to Whether, with NAB's 
New York office being closed. Miss 
Lewis would transfer to the asso- 
ciation's Washington headquarters. 

It was also admitted that Robert 
Cole.son, who has been in charge of 
NAB's Los Angeles office, also being, 
closed, likewise is not shifting to 
Washington.. But wheliier he is ber 
ing dropped from NAB entirely was 
not immediately determined. 



Money Talks 

Fort Wayne. Dec. 2. 

WGL. owned "by the Farnsworth 
Television and Radio Corp., has 
made arrangements with NBC to 
carry the "Metropolitan Opera Audi- 
tions of the Air," program to be 
sponsored over ABG network. An- 
other Fort Wayne station, WOWO, 
an ABC affiliate, also will carry it. 

ABC "Auditions" will be spon- 
sored by Farnsworth beginning 
Jan. 4. 



Splurge of Sunday.' drsntiatic! pro- 
grams in New J Yw^ 'in, recent 
months has ■ created ' a ' production 
jam. It is seriously affecting not 
only actors, but as a consequence, 
also producers and writers, 

There are 13 dramatic programs, 
mostly commercials, produced Sun- 
day in New Yoric at present. They 
include ''Theatre Guild of the 
Air," "Ford Theatre," "Christopher 
Wells," "Shadow," "Counterspy," a 
spot on ' Harvest of Stars," (jabriel 
Heafter's "Brighter Tomorrow," 
"Sherlock Holmes," "Greatest Story 
Ever Told," "True Detective Mys- 
tery," "Nick Carter" and "Explor- 
ing the Unknown." 

Many of them conflict directly on 
the air, but virtually all of them 
involve dress rehearsal -or at least 
ma.ior rehearsal conflicts. As a re- 
sult, in all- but a few cases, actors 
cannot appear on more than one of 
the shows the same day. That is 
arousing loud yelps from the more 
sought*after players, who would 
normally be able to play additional 
programs if they weren't .so 
closely bunched. But it's also givt 
ing a break to many of the less : ac- 
tive performers, who are now get- 
ting the" calls vi'hen the top .actors 
are unavailable. 

As a consequence of the premium 
on leading players, producers are 
trying to make theii^ calls further 
and further in advance, so as to get 
the ones they-want. Calls are now 
being made as much as two weeks 
ahead, instead of two or, three days, 
as 'formerly. • 

In one instance recently, a pro- 
ducer began calling actors the pre- 
vious Monday for the male lead of 
his Sunday show. He made 23 calls 
beifore he finally got someone on 
Thursday. The actor he obtained 
was not, of course, of the same .cali- 
bre as the one he'd originally sought, 
nor was he as suitable for the part. 
But .the director was glad "to get 
him, under the circumstances. He 
alibied in advance , to his agency 
and sponsor for the. anticipated 
quality of the performance. 

A secondary result of the produc- 
tion jam-up is that writers are be- 
ing pushed more and more to get 
scripts in far ahead of time. Where 
one week was previously sufficient 
in most cases for the revised draft 
of a script, producers are now 
heckling their writers to have the 
material, at least in reasonably fin- 
ished form, in three weeks or more 
in advance. That enables ihe pro- 
ducer to make his casting calls in 
time to get the actors he wants. 

Naturally, the writers are griping 
about the situation, but so are the 
producers and actors* ndf to men- 
tion the agency and sponsor repre- 
sentatives involved. 



Precedent-Making Rise of Two CBS 
Built Shows Cues Likely Chaise 
In Future Agency-Net Relations 



This, Too, Is Radio 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 

Among program availabilities 
listed by J, Walter Thompson 
is an item titled "So You're 
Going To Have A Baby,'' which 
has a contest angle that can be 
described as unique. Contestants 
would con.sist of expectant 
mothers, the idea being for 
mothei's and friends to guess in 
advance, by mail, the future 
infant's sex, weight in ounces, 
and time of arrival. > ' 

Attending doctor would cor- 
roborate the .facts for : a cash 
payoff to winners, Packagei 
suggested as a twice-a-weeli 
quarter hour, is tagged $0,000. 



Chesteifield'slfeal 
No Treat to OS 

Chesterfield cigarets will sponsijir 
the Giants games over .WINS, New 
York, for the 1948 Season: ^Deal was 
set last week through Art Flynh As- 
sociates and the Newell-Emmett 
agency. Price for the package is re- 
ported to be clo-se to $225,000. 

Pabst, which backroUed all the 
games last season, had offered . to 
resume for 1948 if it could split the 
bill with some ' other account, but' 
when Chesterfield offered to make 
a complete buy the brewer's propo- 
sition was dropped. While the Ches- 
terfield dicker was on iFoote, Gone 
& Belding put in a hid for Kheln- 
gold beer. ' 

Giants' tieup with Cheiiterfield 
creates an unprecedented situation 
for baseball in the New York mar- 
ket. Old Gold, which underwrites 
the Brooklyn Dodgers broadcasts 
over WHN, New York, will now 
find another cig account competing 
for the same audience whenever the 
Brooklyn and New York teams meet; 



SCRIPTER EXITS 'BURTON' 

Martha Alexander 'bows off the 
writing assignment of "The Second 
Mrs. Burton," daytime serial on CBS 
for General Foods, effective Dec. 26. 
Her replacement hasn't been set. 



■ CBS top brass this week took a 
gander at the newest Hoopeirylings, 
with its revealing lineup of programs 
-showing the web's brace of liouse;- 
built commercials, "My Friend Irma" 
and "Arthur Godfrey's Talecft 
Scouts" berthed in the Top 15 cate- 
gory, and immediately tore, into old 
rec&rds and files is an attempt to find 
a precedent for speedy payoffs. 

The network says there just isn't 
a precedent for wrapping up a 
coveted Top 15 audience on a pair of 
moderately •- budgeted web - built 
shows within three months after 
they've been launched' commercially. 
In fact, they point to the inability to 
find even any package operation 
that can make the same statement. 
(With "Talent Scouts," "Lux Radio 
Theatre" and "Irma," all slotted 
back-to-back Mohday nights, hitting 
the rating jackpot, CBS' one en- 
viable night of program parlaying 
has become strictly a walkaway). 

Howevfer, there are far more sig- 
nificant overtones, of a decided long- 
range character, concerning the 
"Irma," "Talent Scouts ' career, that 
intrigues not. only CBS but the trade 
in general. As the networks move 
more and more into the program- 
ming picture, peddling products of,, 
its own and transcending jithe rple «f 
a medium with only circulation .to , 
sell, : it's considered inevitaible that 
the whole agency-network relation-' 
ship will be drastically altered. 

In recent years, it's been the 
agency that's paid the piper and not 
only told him • what to play but 
where he must play it. 

Now along comes CBS and, in 
sharp contrast to the no-hit' score 
among agencies that have gone to 
bat for clients during the past year 
with new shows, the network has 
clicked with two programs 'in the 
I $5,000-to-$7,000 a week bracket. And 
with both of then) having already 
climbed into the Tofj 15 bracket, the 
fact that five years hence they'll still 
be priced under $10,00(| is, in the- 
opinion, of many. long-range trade ob- 
servers, one of the most irresistible 
talking points anybotly's made in 
commercial i-adio in a. long time. 



Wilson, CM Set F^th 

Chi Pm Grid Tieup 

Chicago, Dec. 2. . 
For the fifth consecutive year, 
Wilson Sporting Goods and Gen- 
eral Mills will co-sponsor the ABC 
broadcast of the East- West playoff 
for championship of the National 
pro Football League here Sunday, 
Dec. 21. Harry Wismer will be at 
the mike, with Rod Grange assisting. 

If ties resunn the East and West 
divisionis, the broadcast will be post- 
I poned until Dec. 28. 



Kiicera Joins FCB Exit 

John Kucera, business manager 
of the radio department of Foote, 
C^one & Belding, has resigned. Un- 
derstood his 'departure was related 
to those of George MoGarrett and 
Norman Winters, reported last 
week.. . . / ■ 

Kiicera is considering three agejicy 
P^op'ositionsi'' 



OUT SOON! 



The 



42iid Anniversary Number 



OF 




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Usnol Advertising rotes prefoil 



Special exploitation advantages 

Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office 



NEW YORIt'19 
154 W. 46th Sh 



HOLLYWOOD 28 
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CHICAGO 1 
3M N. Micli)«|am Aw. 



LONDON, W. C. 2 
8 St. Martin's Place 
Trafalgar Sqitora 



^wi&MorgaB 

As of last week, all hopes of a new 
Henry Morgan-Eversharp alliance 
faded, and with the lapse of the MiU 
ton Blow agency option on the sbow^ 
the ABC network settle^ down to 
the business of peddling the show^, 
around the agencies. 

Chief factor in the anticipated 
I arm's length attitude of bankroUers 
in latching on to the show is Mor* 
gan's kidding-tbe-commercial rou- 
tine. It's his stock-in-trade, an in>. 
tegral part of the Morgan comic pat- 
tern, hence it's considei'ed a cer-: 
tainty that Morgan won't yield to 
any sponsor demands to plug-em--* 
straight. ■ . 

If Morgan remains unsold at Ever- 
sharp's Dec. 24 checkout, ABC will 
likeiy sustain him for a while in his 
half -hour Wednesday slot following. 
Bing Crdsby, Meanwhile, the pre- 
Crosby 9;30-10 niche bfeing vacated 
by Lucky Strike (Jack'Paar) goes to 
Elgin-American's Groucho -Marx' 
show, currently heard Mondays. 



Hoover's W Gnestdbet, 
nn 



J. Edgar Hoover, ditedor of the 
FBI. will guest oh .Terry Devine'si 
'This Is Your FBI" series Friday 
night (5) over ABC for Equita'ble 
Life. He'll give a "vital message io 
the American people." . * 

It'll be the FBI ■chief 's first appear- 
ance .on a commercial dramatic show, 
baying .. previously, rejected -Wil) 
offers. . 



Wednesday, Deeemlier 3, 1947 



lW|I(;W Face Wair' Charges 
h Freedom Train s Memphis Furore 



Memphis, Dec. 2 

Charges of unfairness will be filed 
egsinst WMC and WKEC, local NBC, 
and CBS outlets, respectively, by 
Memphis AVC chapter as the out- 
growth ol furare over the Freedom 
Trail), according to AVC chairman 
Barney B. Taylor. 

Ts^ylor, World War H hero decor- 
ated with thfe DgC, and twice- 
•wounded Purple Heart wearer, saM 
he will make the charges with the 
FCC as a result of the two stations' 
failure to allow equal time for an- 
swering Mayor Pleasant's radio 
speech regarding the cancellation of 
the Memphis date by the Freedom 
Train in a dispute over sejgregation 
of races. 

Mayor Pleasant had included AVC 
and Taylor particularly in his 12- 
minute radio talk, broadcast free of 
cost over six local stations, attacking 
critics of the city's official stand that 
led to loss of the Freedom "Train 
visit. AVC sought equal time' for 
Taylor to answer, but WMC and 
WREC managements said they would 
allot time equal- only .to that in 
which Taylor and AVC were dis- 
««ssed, three minutes in case of 
WMC, five lor WREC. 

"We contend that the Mayor's in- 
♦lamatory remarks needed to be an- 
swered in whole, not just in part, 
and we demand as much time as he 
was given in order to make the an- 
swer,'-' Taylor declared, "Four sta- 
tions, WKDHM. WMPS, WMA and 
WHBQ, consented to our request 
and we 8*e . given time equjil 1o 
th&t Of Mayor Pleasants' on all four. 

"WREC and WMC chose to think 
that some of the time would have to 
fce isaved for! any others who might 
also want to feply, although AVC 
wafe the only' organization seeking 
radio time- for that purpose. W6 felt 
that three minutes and five minutes 
were insufficient. So the AVC chap- 
. ter hei* is filing' a complaint with 
the FCC liy lii/ifgi against the unfair 
tineihlcal and unreasonable, s t'a n d 
taken thes two stations. I am 
Wtittog p^^^«'^y every 'member 
of rhe FCO to lajr .the complaint be- 
iore. them." ■ " * 

Taylor. pointed out that all FCC 
members are also, members' of the 
American Heritage Foundation, 
sponsor of the, Freedom Train, and, 
as such took part in fitting up the 
rules for its tour Whlcli. brought the 
train into conflict with .Memphis of ■ 
flcial insistence upon separate -hours 
for visiting by races. 



Reams (WTOL)ForGoY. 

■ " Toledo, Dec. 2. 
Frazier Reams, Toledo, principal 
owner of .WTOL, has announced his 
candidacy for the Democratic iSdmi- 
nation for governor at next year's 
May primary' 

He is a former state welfare, direcr 
tor, and served two terms a^ Lucas 
County prosecutor. " ^ 

Metro Eydng 
EAC Coast Bny 

Hollywood, Dec; 2. ■ 
Metro's Leo niay soon be roaring 
over the Coast airways. There's' a' 
deal, in the works whereby the stu- 
dio would take over Dorothy Thack- 
rey's KLAC, a situation that would 
duplicate Warners' opjeration of, 
KFWB and Loew's WHN, New York. 
Leo's paw has been 'extended in this 
direction for' soniertlme tiiough >aK 
ways pushed 'away until n<Sw when 
it's admitted that', both sides arc 
etiger taut disagreeing: on price, 

Howard Stark, 'rep of a station 
brokering house, has been, here a 
week on an intensive investigation 
of the local radio scenes with par- 
ticular attention being giveq KLAC's 
reputation and positiont thoughrtjeal 
is being workei] on'top? level between 
Bert Lebhar,' of WHN, and Thack- 
reys in the east. Thackreys waift to 
unload all -radio and seek' $1,000,000 
for KLAC and its sister station, KYA, 
San Francisco. If ^old separately, the 
Thackreys want $700,000 and $500,- 
000, and Leo - wants to spend only 
$900,000 for the .twain. . Acta.a1Iy, 
however, jtletro doesn't "want KYA 
at all b'ut would take it and possibly 
re:>peddle if later tg>gef'*the long- 
desired: HOltywdod outlet,- KLAC cost 
Thackreys close tp $500;000 and KYA 
cost $325,000. Ws possible also, pend- 
ing "FCC approval, that the Tiiack- 
rey's two Yi<ieo permits' would be 
included in the deal, though actually 
involving no physical assets to date 
and being only ' on' paper and in 
minds. 




D'ARTEGA 

Between high-pressure r e c o r di 
and transcription flates, D'Artega 
"shufllea off to Buffalo" to conduct 
the Buffalo Philharmonic Symphony 
Orchestra In a special request pro- 
gram (Dec. 5th). 

Returnlng^D New York his imme- 
diate, chore. Will be to satisfy the 
ra.venous appetites' of Lang- Worth 
affiliates for "more D'Artega J" ^ 
LANG-WORTH, INC., NEW YORK 



Backti^ fSong of Stranger' 
Ratings! 

The Iwo-way sag 'pt Pharmaco's 
three«way deal in Mutual shows has 
the sponsor shopping for something 
better. The Jim Backus Show and 
"Song of the Stranger" are headed 
for fadeouts, charged up to their 
failure to' pick oil satisfactory 
ratings. Both have been ., slipping 
steadily toward Hooper's "cellar. 

Of Pharmaco's three Mutual buys 
for the current_season, only "Charlie 
Chan" looks' firm, being at the mo- 
ment the web's top Hooperated 
airer. 

■ It's believed the Feen-a-mint out- 
fit- will retain . the Backus Sunday 
jiigSt and "Stranger's" Monday- 
Wednesday-Friday afternoon time 
slots if the agency can come up with 
more promising stanzas. Agency for 
the trio of Phairmaco shows is' Ruth> 
rauff & Ryan. 



BURROWS MOVES UP 
AS LISTERINE PAYS 

Abe Burrows, currently heard in 
the 10:30-10:45 Saturday night seg- 
ment on CBS, moves into the Satur- 
day 7:45-8' p.in, period when Lister- 
ine starts picking up the tab on the 
IS-minute airer after the first of the 
year. 

■Burrows will be showcased back- 
tti-back with Hoagy Carmichael, 
■whose Sunday afternoon quarter- 
hour sustainer will be moved into 
the 7;30 Saturday niche. 
Meanwhile, there's a possibility 

■.that ''It Pays to be Ignoranf'^vill be 
co-oped by CBS in. the Saturday 7- 
7:30 period,^ preceding the Butrow.5- 
Carniichael shows.''.Philip Morris is 
giving up sponsorship of "Ignorant," 

"having bought the new Dinah Shori?- 
Harry James musical show. 



Teapot Tempest in Cleve. 
Twixt Scribes, B'casters 
Over Sports Releases 

Cleveland, Dec. 2. 
' Misiihclerstanding threatened to 
touch off an editorial war between 
the city's' sp'ortswriters and radio 
newf and sportscasters, . 

11 broke out when Cleveland's 
baseball president Bill Veeck issued 
a hold-for-midnight release on the 
announcement- that Lou 'Boudreau 
had signed a two-year contract. Mid- 
night release, came around 5 p.m., 
when all newsmen ,.kn^w that Bou- 
fdreau's return to ' tibwn ' that day 
meant a contract wa^ to be inked, 
and consequently they rebelled. 
. First release break came around 
8 p.m. with aU station's then pitching 
in on the n - 11:15 news-sport period 
to give all details. - ■ 

To iron out difticulties Veeck met 
amicably with.To^n Manning, Ed 
Wallace,' WTAM; Van Patrick, 
Charles' Day,;' Jim Martin, WGAR; 
Jake Hines, -Bob Qodley, WHK; Gor 
don Cobbledick, Plain Dealer; Ed 
McAurley,. Tfews; Frank Gibbons, 
Press, the' UP and INS, and a re- 
lease-compromise for all sports was 
set up with 11 p.m. for all a.m. re- 
leases and 6 a.m. for all p.m. re 
leases. Radio wanted 7 p.m. a.s re- 
lease for morning side but Veeck 
and Cobbledick -were adamant, fa- 
voring midnight and then agreeing 
to the ll o'clock hour. 



Stei^ Bulletin 
DealGetsFCCOK 

Washington, Dec. 2, 
The FCC, by a four-to-two vote 
yesterday (1), okayed without hear- 
ing one of the largest and most com- 
plicated package radio station sales 
in history, : 

Deal involved the" transfer of 
WCAU and FM affiliate from J* 
David Stern to the Philadelphia Eve- 
ning Bulletin, and twin'sales by the. 
Bulletin of its station 'WPEN ^lus 
FM affiliate to the Sun-Ray Dru{^ Co. 
(when the Bulletin contracted t<) buy 
the prize clear-channel outlet WCAU,' 
it had to divest itself Of WPEN to 
meet the FCC ban on dual ' owner- 
ship ), . Commissioners Clifford - J. 
Durr and Robert F. Jones voted for 
hearing on the deals. 

Sales ticket on WPEiN and WPEN- 
FM was pegged at approximately 
$800,000 although this figure may 
vary as much as' $25,000 either way 
in the final settlement. Sun-Ray will ; 
follow throifgh on policies now in- 
e^ect at the Bulletin station. Exact 
figure involved in the Bulletin-Stern 
transaction is less easy to gauge. 

In the contract, the Bulletin agreed 
to pay Stern $4,500,000 for WCAU, 
WCAU-FM and^ his two^ Camden 
newspapers. Stripped price for 'tli'e 
radio properties was-given as $2,900,- 
000, - although Stern agreed to sell- 
only if his newspaper and radio 
holdings- were transferred In the 
same package. , . 

In a separate deal, the Bulletin, last 
winter bought the newspaper facili- 
ties of Stern's Philadelphia Record 
Co. for $3,400,000. Other debts and 
contracts to be assumed by the Bul- 
letin, run the total sales ticket on the 
entire, package to between $8,000,000 
and $10,000,«IO. Tl;e Bulletin kept- 
WPEN-FM and WPEN-TV an* 
turned over to Sun-Ray, WCAU-FM, 
To keep the record straight, station 
calls were switched, of course. 



Beryl Davis 'Hit Parade' 
Pact Vice Doris Day 

Lucky Strike means finer con- 
tracts, as far as British chirper Beryl 
Davis is concerned. After getting a 
good U. S. buildup via guestshots on 
Vaughn Monroe's Camel show during 
the last several months. Miss Davis 
celebrated Thanlcsgiying by inking a 
deal to take over Doris Day's spot 
on "Hit Parade." . 

English thrush, who made her 
American air debut less than 12 
months ago in a '"Brsryl by Candle- 
light" sustainer on ABC, got the nod 
ttt the Luckjt . Strike stanza after 
Kitty Kallen had nixed the spot be- 
cause she wanted to stay in the east. 



»♦♦»>♦♦»♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦«»>»♦ » ♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦»»♦♦♦♦«» it ttf ^ 

From tt» p(hictioii Ceit^^^^ 



IN mw yom city . . * 

NAB prexy Justin MiHer gives the Radio Execs Club the latest word on 
the code today noon (Wed)... .Curtis Jv Hoxtep propping a radio column 
for the Newhouse Syndicate,' fbr which Dell Chandler used to write.... 
Young & Rubicam has picked up Patsy Campbell's option on "Second Mrs. 
Burton". ...Freelance writers liitargot Gayle snd t>ena R*ed have a ftjece 
on 'T5ramatic Lessons for Your Child" in the Jam.. Reader's Dlgeirt,,.. 
Busicst-man-of-the-^week title claimed by Mason Adams, wKo plays the 
title role in flve-a-week "Pepper Young-" J^^st night CTues.) he had a 
character part of Harry the Hack in "Big Town." To round out the week 
he'll do leads in "Grand Central Station" Saturday (6), "Ford Theatre" 
Sunday and "Inner Sanctum" next Monday. .. .NBC exec veepce Frank 

Mullen on a swing to Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis Daughter, their 

fourth child, born to Mr. and Mrs. Wells (Ted) Church on Thanksgiving 
Day.' He's director of CBS news broadcasts, .. .Don Martin, program 
director of WLlB, has checked out in order to (1) direct 'some children's 
albums for Tiffany ProduiptionS; (2) finish a book on Paul Whlteman; (3) 
work on a television show.,.. Michael O'Doniicll, formerly with the NBC 
Music Library, named head of WINS' music Ubrary... ...Kail Cobum, assist- 
ant publicity direc^br at WHN for two years, iH^signed Nov, 29. Doctors 
ordered temporary retirement. , 

Mary Alice Tbbmi)son, formerly a sfecrMary in the radio department of 
Young & Rubicam, has joined Warwick & Legler as. secretary to Samuel 
Youngheart, vice-president and account executive..., Sherwood and Al 
Schwartz, formerly with the Ozzie & Harriet show, will write the new 

Danny Thomas series for-«General Foods James O'Neill, of the "We, 

the People" writing statt, out of. action with the flu,',, .Leonard Holton, 
who wrote trie "Arthur's Place"- Series fox Borden and was previously an 
exec. With Young & Rubica'iin f6r several yearsf is one oi the writers of 
the ''Bloiidie" series « $igurcl Larmon, prez and board chairman of 
Young & Ru'bicdRi, was in Washington last week for huddles with 
Charles Luckman and a group of senators and congressmen on . the sub- 
ject of food conservation^ Understood he returned with ideas for policy 
for General Foods, one of the agency's major Clients, - 

Mutual veepee Abe Schechter on a 10-day swing through the very deep 
south, Martin Block in Monday (1> from Encino, Cal., and originating 

his Mutual disk jockey stint this week:and next via WNEW Henry 

Morgenthau III breaking into radio at WNEW, dividing hia time between 
the program dept, and. publicity. .. .Riki Englander, radio director for Red 
Cross, UJA and other drives, and Hal Kosut'wed Thanksgiving eve. After 
a brief New England honeytnoon they'll settle WTdrrington, Conn,, where 
the groom will be associated with WLCR. skedded for a December opening 

Irving Gitlin, assistant to CBS science director John Ffeiffcr, assigned 

to do -research for CBS' "School of the Air" programs. Succeeds Miss 
Charlotte Brown, who's going to New Mexico for her health.,.,E. P. H, 
"Jimmy" James, Mutual ad-piromotion-research v,p,, hopped to Pittsburgh 
to address an ad dub-radio club get-together yesterday (Tues.). , , .Moliy 
Ballantyfle, Neil Fitzgerald and, Marjdrie Maud Into "Our Gal, Sunday" 
cast, Teresa Keaqe added by "Stella pallaij". .. .Florence Warner has 
resigned from Biow agency publicity dept. Undergoes serious operation 
in Des Moines. 



Elf ert's Program Spot 

Sam Elfert, publicity ■ director at 
WLIB, N.Y., for the past year, vvas 
appointed program director of the 
station Monday (1) by Mrs. Dorothy 
Thackrey, station owner. Elfert re- 
places Don Martin, who left to free- 
lance. 

Elfert will also supervise station's 
publicity, with Mary Gruber acting 
as his assistant in both connections. 



Radio's 
Jo Ranson 

Tcllf About 

"Famous Air Fluffs" 

.In 

ferthcwnliHi 
42d Anmheeruary Numh)er 



IN HOLLYWOOD . " « 

Paul Franklin withdrew as. director .of Steve Slesinger's Zane Gray show 
because of the time conflict with the other Slesinger program, "Red Ryder," 
Which,, he also produces and which airs on the same ,day oVer Don Lee- 
Mutual, . . Producer Bob Redd and Jim McFadden of the MCRee- Albright 
agency are experimenting with a new character for Jack Catson that 
would make fiim more sympathetic and less cocky. Several new at>- 

proaches will be tried and Carson is all for the change Frank Cooper 

has BBD&O interested in his new game program, "Holiday at Home".... 
ABC's Ed Noble and Robert Hinckley, due in this weeK" from Frisco for 
three-day session with Don Searle and his Cabinet, .. .Carleton Alsop 
chalked up his cue-flipping finder for fourth platter in the Joseph Gotten 
transcription series. Packaging the dramatics with Gotten is Stuart 
Ludlum, onetime ad agency exec. Alsop will have the aid of Frances 
Purcell, late of the Kudner agency, in the production of subsequent disks 
.'■,'. .pasad6na's"rad* die-harder, the Star-NewSf finally yielded to the 
pressure of its opposition, the Independent, which goes daily after first of 
the year, and assigned Charles D. Perlee to do a daily radio column. Bill 
Bird of the. Independent has had things, his own ■way for a good m.any 
years and recent pcfU conducted by his sheet disclosed that the radio de- 
partment is favored above all others in the tab. . . .Fresh approach to air- 
dramatics has been devised for Mickey' Rooney, who goes under the needle 
at CBS within the next two weeks. Net may showcase it as a sU.<!tainer 
until a buyer copies along. .. .Andy Hecht, Coast rep for Reader's Digest, 
has a book on the stands with a chapter on radio memorabilia*. Tome is 
called "Hollywood Merry-Oo-Round'' with an intro by Bob Hope. 

Gene Autry denies he's associated with Ralph Atlass in his buy into 
three stations and also spiked . reports he and Atlass are dickering .for 
Dorothy Thackerey's KLAC, which is said to be on the block. . . .Lou 
Place, Coast head of Russel Seeds, made. a quickie flight to Chicago for 
problem session with Freeman Keyes. ;. . Jack Benny helps kick off March 
of Dimes dr;ve in Colorado early next " month and originates his 
broadcast of 18th from the. Mile High capitol. , . After hearing Metra's col- 
oratura find, Mary Jane Smith (she's 15), at the Elgin rehearsal, iQordon. 
Howard, ad chief for the watch firm, ordered her fee for the Thanksgiving 
Day broadcast doubled. .. .Don Searle is having more fun dehying rejiorta 
that he^s quitting his veepee post with ABC while supervising furnishing 
his new office In a revamped rotisserie a block away from his present NBC 
quarters.,,. Murray Bolen takes' Over production reins of "Club 15" from 
Cal Kuhl, who- is back at Thompsons, Bolen also has permish to do the 
Bob Burns open-enders. . , .Brad Brown named to pcoduce Zane Gray show 
on Mutual.... Ted Husing coming out to call the plays in the USC-Notre' 
Dame game for those who refuse to pay a hundred bucks for a pair of 20- 
yarders. . . .Lewis Allen Weiss beat the pneumonia rap and heads east next 
week for Mutual board meet. 

IN CHICAGO ... 

Al Morey, of WBBM's production dept., has been named special program 
development director, attached to sales, ,. .IMrs, Don McNeill and' three 
sons will make their annual Yuletide visit to "Breakfast Club" Dec. 19, , , . 
Dwight B. Olson took over as chief announcer of WGIL, Galesbusg, 111., last 
Trl^r.; • -."IS^^^^ Lohipan, of the U, of Chicago, is set as moderator of 
WINDS Forum of the Air," which bows Dec, 14..., NBC news ed Ji'ni 
Aldrieh bedded by a stomach ailment.. Linn Burton .dubbed "Chief of 
the Airways" by Ottawa Indians. . . Biggies on hand for the tee-off of tele 
station- Wmr-TV, Milwaukee, Wednesday (3) include NBC's Niles Tram- 
.mell and David Samoff. . . .Ted Malone here for the 4-H Congress..,. 
Jack Owens is skedded to do his "cruising crooning" on the stage of the 
Oriental late this month, ,, .Scripter Gary Miller back at his typewriter 
after basking m rioridjj three weeks, ., .Karl Sutpliin, ABC promotion 
chief, plugging the "Groucho Marx Show" by passing out long black cigars 
with the time and station on the label. . . . Jim Campbell has bought himself 
a farm near LaPorte, Ind., for week-end assaults on the soil.... Alex 
Dreier banqueted NBC's press staff last week by way of payirfg off a bet. 
Commentator., ijad bet the fiaeks lie could reduce to ZOO pounds in four 
months. .Marie Gunderson leaves Mutual this week for wedding hells on 
tee Coast, She 11 wed Bob McKinlay of Elsinore, , . .Tiff between columnist 
I:, u?- ""^ Jlwk 3?ck payejGarrow^ isn't the usual fake feud for 

publicity purposes, Their heedles are tossed in earnest. • ' 



Dim e-MAN SCRAP 





yiislryslllOGFii^^'etaioFiiiid 

The intiustry, prepping for • latt-ditch fight with James C. Peti-illa, 
b6M of th9 Amerloin Federation, of Mufijcims, is reported to. be eai-- 
marking a $100,000 budget foir the scrap. ~The- fund, principaUjr, is to 
hire a general counsel to represent the entire industry and to buy the 
Jei^ioeti of a top public relations man to do the flaclcing; 

It% ret>orted tnat Ed Kirby,. former NAB public relations man, hag 
put' in a bid for the Hack post and in some- quarters the name of Steve 
EtaniHUI^ft, Who was once offered « flacking job on behalf of Petrlllo, 
hials been prominently- projected. 

Best guesis in Yi.- industry circles is that one of the larger public 
relations outfits, wiOi outlets in several cities, will get the nod. 



Pelrio Abort-face m €6^ 
Pwtenk a GetM Showdown 



James C. FetrUl»'a sudden abou^'' 
face last week in refvoking a six-year 
ban on liv^t' music on network co-op 
shows Is looked, upon in the trade 
as both an enforced concession and 
an ominous portent. It's felt /to be 
a conues!=ion by the American Fed- 
eration of Musicians boss in the hope 
of winning concessions for the union 
in contract negotiatiang— which re- 
same next Monday <8) in Chicago. 
And it's felt to portend a complete 
shutdown on the webs next Jan. SI 
if mrillo fails to win the conces- 
sions he seeks. 

Meanwhile, the nets hailed the 
Petrillo action as erasing 'an in> 
equitable situation which permitted 
transcription packagers to sell their 
ahows, with live muaic'locally while 
the webs covld not ABC, CBS and 
Mutual' immediately made prepara- 
tieus to yank vocal groups from .their 
co-op.s and install orchestras. It 
looked, as though, all told, sdme 200 
musicians would get employment 
denied them under the AFM ban. 
ABC talked of adding a pop musical 
show to^ the list 

It tirAs a short heyday for the 
••cappella Iwys, who've got to hunt 
fahi again. 

Petrillo's order, which went out 
last Wednesday (28), was effective 
immediately and holdi^ until exist- 
ing network contracts expire Jan. 31, 
is believed to have been prompted 
by realisation ' on ttae part of the 
union thai Dan Golenpaul, producer 
of '*Infi>i|nation Pleafse," had a strong 
case in Itis complaint to the National 
Labor Belations Board against the 
Petrillo ban. Golenpaul charged 
that, the ban violated the Taft-Hart- 
ley Act, was restrictive in its effect 
and, if carried to its logical con- 
clusion, ought to apply not just to 
co-ops, but to all hetwork shows. 
Await Chi Buddie 

With a showdown in network 
negotiations in the offing and a trial 
in Federal court on charges of Lea 
Act ' Violation facing him, Petrillo, 
it's figured, saw a chance ttvside- 
(Continued on page 37) 



Donald O'Comwr Skow 



Deal is in the works for Schenley 
to sponsor a comedy series starring 
Donald .O'Connor. Negotiations have 
been in progress » week or more be- 
tween the the Blow agenqr, which 
has the Schenley account, and ther 
Sam Jafle office, representing the 
film- comic. ' 

So far, no time slot has been lined 
up for the series: Schenley recently 
relinquished its Thursday: night spot 
on CBS, at the same time that it 
dropped the "Suspense'^ series.: 

The O'Connor program would 
orijiinate on the Cotist' 



ABC Mnlk CoHv 
F«r Hd) Synqih 

James C- Petrillo's reversal on 
co-op programming, which now per- 
mits use of live musicians, is ex- 
pected to pave the way for the first 
coast-to-cQost longhaired musical on 
a co-op basis. " 

ABC network has under serious 
considerati6n the launching of the 
Boston Symphony Orchestra as a 
co-op sponsored ao-minute show. 
Symph is now beard on a sustaining 
basis dn Tuesday evenings, brack- 
eted wHh "Town Meeting of the 
Air," which is also being sold oit 
cd-op basis. — 

Bcslon Symph in previous years 
had been bankrolled nationally for 
several seasons by AUis-Chabners 
and last year by John Hancock In- 
suritnce Co. , 

ABC is convinced the orch's $10,* 
OOO .wedcly talent nut can more than 
pay olT via the co-op formula. 



' Kirliy B«ok in UBiform 

Col. Edward M. Kirby is back iu 
uniform— but just for SO days. He 
vtas recalled to make a study of 
developntents in radio communica- 
tions in ti\e two years since he left 
the Arniy. ■ i 

.Meantime, his new radio station in 
NashvJV*. WMAK,. is still under con 
atraellon. ' ■ " ' '' ■ 





iBdestry Groups 
Pick FroBtmHi h 
Pdr& Shmvdown 



Washington, Dec. 2. 
Battle lines of the anti-PetriUo 
forces began to take shape today 
(Tues.) with announcement by the 
National Assn^ of Broadcasters of 
the membership , of the' executive 
committee and two. cubcommittees 
of the recently formed. All-Industry 
Music Committee. At the same time 
was disclosed^ that, one of the 
subcommittees, on public relations, 
was meeting 'in New York today 
and that the second subcommittee, 
on legal phases of the fight, would 
meet tomorrow (Wed.). Both would 
elect chairmen at these huddles, it 
was said. " 

Each industry within the all-in- 
dustry group named a rep to the 
executive committee and to each 
of the two subcommittees. 
Members of the exec committee: 
A. D. (Jess) Wlllard, of NAB, fly- 
wheel of the anti-Petrillo mobiliza- 
tion; Frank E. Mullen of NBC, for 
the networks; Edward Wallerstein 
of C-<>lumbia Kecording, for the 
record companies; Raymond Cos- 
grove of the Radio Manufacturers 
Assn., for set manufacturers; Rich- 
ard Testut, Associated Program 
Service, Inc., for transcription com-' 
panics; Everett L. Dillard of the EM 
Assn., for PM interests, and Emer- 
sion Markham of General Electric's 
WRGB, for the Television Broad- 
casters Assn. NAB's Richard Doherty 
will serve as secretary of the group. 
No meeting has been held, or has 
(Continued on page 32) 



IRK FCC MEMP 

V'WashlngfoM, :i>ec; 2; ' 
What looks, -td' be- f kl^g^'sized 
fight to the finish 'is shaping Aphere 
between FCC Commissioner Clifford 
J. Durr and FBI chief J. Edgar 
Hoover. At issue is FBI's- practice of 
forwarding to the radio agency un- 
solicited reports on radio station bid- 
ders, described by Dnrr in a strong- 
ly-worded statement yesterday (1) 
as : frequently no more than "unsub- 
stantiated gossip or rumor, of non- 
expert personal ^opinions on political, 
economic, or social philosophies." - 

The FCC commissioner maintained 
that this info, "coming as it does 
from a police bureau of such prestige 
and power," may wrongly affect the 
judgments which FCC members 
must make on the qualifications of 
applicants to become radio licensees. 

Two other members of the FCC 
bench jumped to the FBI's defen/se, 
In a letter to the No. 1 G-Man yes- 
terday (1), acting FCC Chairman 
Paul A. Walker expressed "con-' 
fldence" in the FBI, invited Hoover 
to continue shipping over "relevant"- 
information on persons in radio and 
emphasized that Durr's criticism wa» 
made "on his own personal respon- 
sibility." The letter, written"by di- 
rection of the ' Commission," also 
disavowed any responsibility for. 
Durr's fh:st bla-st at the FBI made 
during a speech to school broad* 
casters in Chicago last - month. 

Commissioner Robert F. Jones in- 
jected himself into the fight Mon- 
day night (1) by issuing a seven- 
page statement in which he said in 
effect that Durr needn't point ' the 
finger at the FBI because the FCC 
itself passes certain - informatit>n 
along to other government agencies. 
As far as the FBI is concerned, 
Jones - declared he firmly believed 
the bureau "ha.s not only the right 
but the duty and responsibility of 
furnishing to the FCC information 
it receives in tlie course Of its in- 
vestigations." 
' 'Qualified' Testimany Needed 
The Durr statement made much of 
the fact that FBI, in its "far-flung 
investigations," is likely »to come 
across information "of real value to 
the Commission." but : added that 
the FCC must rule on applications 
on the basis of public testimony- 
"presented under oath by qualified 
Witnesses," with .the party against 
whom such testimony is offered 
given -the right of full crossTexamr 
inatlon. 

Durr continued: "It would be 
wholly improper for FCC to base 
deciision on 'information' not con- 
(Continued on page 32) 



Radio Editorializiiig In for Tough 
hdiBtry-ffide Giik^ Or^ at N.Y. Sdi 



The Wrong Dial 

PhiladelphUi Dec. 2. 

WPBN's ■ new auction show, 
"Going, .Going, Gone," includes 
an automobile auctioned off to 
the highest bidder. While the 
program was on the air, for the 
sponsor, Leonard*Oerringer, Inc., 
a rival dealer down the street 
was showing - a used car to a 
prospect. : 

As a sales clincher, the used 
car dealer, pointed out that the 
accessories in the car were in 
tiptop shape. To demonstrate, he 
turned on the heater. Tlten he 
switched on the radio. Out of the 
radio came the- voice of Roy La- . 
•Plante, the Derringer program's 
auctioneer, "Knocking down" 
the same kind of Sar. A&d the 
air 'bid: was $200 less. 

So the prospect strolled down 
the street and boUght » car at 
Derringer'^. 



MAURICE GORHAM IN 
SUDDEN-BBC EXIT 

London,. Dec. 2. 

Maurice Gorham, BBC executive 
for 21 years and head of television 
.lor the last two years, quit abruptly 
yesterday (Mon.). He refused, to 
discuss the matter with: Vakiexy, 
but it's rumored that- the' rumpus 
irose from administrative changes 
in BBC, in which Gorham found 
himself answerable to the newly 
formed cabinet of five, instead of 
solely to Sir, William Haley. 

Norman Collins, director of light 
entertainment - programs, succeeds 
Gorham, 



BMBStiDLooldng 
Fw That A^rin 
AsWoesPibiUp 

The calm expected to spread over 
troubled Broadcast Measurement 
Bureau waters in the wake of four- 
network signaturing hasn't come to 
pass. Financiallyv a crisis still exists. 
Mutual prexy Edgar Kobak, who 
wanted a' network committee 
named— but with sUtion managers 
as M^ell as web execs on it^has 
bolted BMB's projected formation of 
a networJcs-only group. It^s under-' 
stood, also, that CBS prexy Frank 
Stanton has indicated be does not 
cute for the £MB plan as it stands. 

BMB. board chairman Harold J. 
Ryan, of Toledo, was in N. Y-. yester- 
day (Tues.) for an executive com- 
mittee dinner meeting of the bureau 
scheduled last night, tout could not 
be reached for comment on the de- 
velopments. It's believed Ryan' had 
expected to name a network com- 
mittee composed ot prexies of -the 
four webs and that disinclination of 
Kobak and Stanton to participate 
would form the major topic of dis-r 
cussion in the exec committee huddle. 

Meanwhile industry sentiment ap- 
pears to be growing that basically 
BMB's fault lies in the composition 
of its Board— that the management 
needs .strengthening by inclusion on 
the board of hard^hittifig business 
men. 



* The whole, question of. editorializ* 
ing-on radio will get a comprehend 
sive going over at a conference to b« 
staged in New York under auspice* 
of the Bureau of Applied Social Re- 
search of Columbia Univ,, it's been 
learned. Hie session will be attended 
by members of the Federal Conunu- 
nications Commi&si<m, key figune^^ in 
the National Assn. of Broadcastero, 
top educators of the nation,. leai&iC 
broadcasters and top-shelf leader* 
ship from the various segments Mt" 
fected by the Mayfiower editorialize 
ing decree. 

The meeting was originally^cbed* 
uled for next week as a prelude t» 
the long-heralded and comprehen* 
sive .Washington hearing to review 
the ..FCC's ban on editorializing by 
station licensees, but was postpenecl 
this week following announcement 
that the D.C. hearings may not start 
on the scheduled Jan.' 12 date be> 
cau.se the FCX; bench wants time t* 
get the clear channel oral argutment 
out -of the way by Jan. 19. 

The Miuihattan conference, simi'- 
lar to one staged under the sson* 
auspices at tht Commodore, hate!^ 
N. Y., a , couple years back wli^the' 
Blue Book was the- dominant in^s* 
try issue, is being arranged by,,.lBr,, 
Paul S. -Lazarsfeld, of Columbias 

Meanwhile both thfe FCC and the 
NAB have started the .maGfainKy' 
rolling to prepare for the Waehtng^ - 
ton hearings., ! ' ' 

Widespread Invite* i .'. : * ' 
FCC general counsel Benedict Cot- 
tone, who is handling the Mayflower 
hearing, last week dispatched invita* • 
tions to - some 85 organizations anil- 
individuals to participate in the D.-C. ■ 
sessions. -Those not able to aptieai* in 
person' were urged to - submit their- 
views in writing. ' • - ■ - ■ v 

At the same time, in response to a- 
request' from NAB general counsel 
Don Petty, the Commission pushed 
up from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15 the- dead- 
line for SUng notices of appearances; 
NAB has- over a score;, of witnesses 
line up with more to come and asked ' 
for the additional time to CQ«i;^at»- 
an- "industry-wide" showing.' 
. The FCC letter dedared: "In tht 
(Contintfed, on ^age 32) 



Duliitb Daffies Drop 
Ra£oLBtiiiss;Waiit 
Rqpiiar AiIy. Rates 

Minneapolis, Dec. 2. 

Duluth Herald and News-IWbune, 
Ridder newspapers at head of the 
Lakes, have refused to publi.sh radio 
time schedules any longer as a pub- 
lic service. It was reported ii|ews- 
papers demand full advertising rates 
for space occupied by programs. 

I'irst day of new policy it cari;icd 
only programs of WDSM, station 
owned and operated by the news- 
papws. Newspaper operators said 
WDSM had contracted to ^ay for 
programs at regular r»tes. Three 
oth«- stations affected by policy 
,'h«vje, not yet JIallen into Jine-.. , , , 



Paul WlHteOian 

liarli* hack te 

"fThen Radio 
Was Young'* 



42d Anniv^rfttry Number 



Shampoo's $1,000,000 
Local-Slaiited Budgets 
To Sell the 'New Look' 

Shampoo manufacturers, now tak- 
ing a t>eating in the competitive 
market, are planning to boost their 
sales via intensified local radio spot 
campaigns, to the ^mo.st total ex- 
clusion of network shows. 

Switch in plugging will be based 
on the idea of selling a new "lustre 
look" for femmes' tresses to tie in 
with the "new look" Ha long skirts 
and sagging hemlines. Among the 
first to air the new ad-policy in the 
shampoo business is Roche, Wil- 
liams tc -Cleary, N. Y. distribs of 
Rayve Creme Shampoo. 

Outfit's prexy R. A. Porter an- 
nounced that 73% of the 1948 radio 
budget, estimated at about $1,000,000, 
will be swung into local spots, with 
new network time- not planned for 
1948. Pitch will be made in singing 
commercials and local 15-minute a^d 
half -'hour Allows with strong f cmme 
appeal. 

In addition ta the radio campaign, 
four-color halt-page and full-page 
ads will run ,in 15, top-ciiiatilation 
ma^s. ' ' ' , . ' ' , 



(^NewsSbie , 
GfttoStatk^ 

. ff " . 

Chicago, Dec. 2. " 
Rush of retail stores to radio, be* 
gan here last week, following print- 
ers walkout at six dailies. Power, 
stations with limited availabilitiet. 
generally gave preference to i>resent 
sponsors, while, indies took* care «f 
Johnny-come^latelies. ' New' i&ow$ 
supplement;, black «^ wbite, sixtc* 
.sheets are running ads it clients pre- 
fare their O-wn-plates. Shows, also ar« 
insurance in case of a complete: presi 
shutdown. 

Station skeds are bristling with 
news, including additional programs 
and news spots on regular shows. 
Heaviest new lineup is offered by 
WIND, indie, which hired five extra 
newswriters. Four dailies,, which prc- 
viou.sly sponsored 29 newscasts across 
the board, are 'contintiing ifli that 
basis under joint sponsorship. 'CRmer 
Turner, radio ed of the Sun, is doinf 
10 WJJD newscasts daily from his: 
desk. ' ^ 

Sheets, meanwhile, publi.'th with- 
out interruption in varitype photo* 
engraved form. Odd part of 'th* 
whole deal is that, 'although printers 
aren't printing, Chicagoans are l»e- 
ing bombarded with more news fhw 
at any time since D-Day, 



CBS AUDITIONING NEW 
AMSTERDAM COMEDY 

CBS is auditioning a new halt'' 
hour comedy show built around 
Morey Amsterdam. Irying Mans« 
field, producer of CBS' "Arthur God- 
frey's Talent Scouts," will 'prodiKW ' 
and direct 

Amsterdam is-'currently on WHMk 
the Loew-owtted N.Y. indie and ia 
also a member of the WOR "Stop M* 
If You Heard This" comedx.shqt. 



28 



RAIIIO 



Wff^wwwgay,, PeccrelMir 'Sv 1947 



NKlsenPiiUfidzes 
topHrtojKiiock 
HoopforaLoap 

A. C. JSTieiseA, the ChiCaso audi« 
meter hian, rolled out. his ponder* 
e^s research guns yesterday (Tu^s.) 
•nd let fire tl»e iDost savage barrage 
yet against : his ■ much-more-publi- 
cized rival, C. E. Hooper. Officially 
*eleasing,.for the first time, the ''Top 
80'f gftetwork programs, both day and 
liight, as measured by the Nielsen 
^l^Adlo Index system, Nielsen tui;ned 
loose a' volley of salyoS jsimed at 
' knocking Hooper's coiricidental-tele- 
phore setup for a loop. 
" tin ijfffeqt,' it was tht opening blast 
in "'What promises to be an all-out 
elugfest 'for supremacy in the rating 
field, with CBS' newly announced 
I'adar listener measurement jump- 
ing in the ring just in time to be- 
come involved in the fray, Nielsen, 
probably with a weather eye off the 
latecoA^r as a decided threat to his 
iudini6ter system, chose to center all 
his fii-e'oA' his old foe; and dejjlared, 
jn sum: 

■ ,That the radio industry has gotten 
Slong long enough on a one-rating 
system; that the NRI 'Total Audi- 
ence^' rating, "unlike the cpincideni 
lal-phone rating, , . ."'does' not, dis- 
criminate against radio as an adver.- 
tisiiig 'Medium"; th%t NRt 'Qi^asures 
*the full' impapt of a program, a 
:^etwork, a' station, or the entire- 

■ medium," 'Whereas Hooperating "can 
rfepres^nt tes than 20% of the 
country's radio homes;" that pro- 
jectible ratings 1 (which Hooper pro- 
poses to start issuing ' soon) are 
«iya>lable via' NIII but "are utterly 
impossible with other audience re- 
xMearch ^iethods because of their 
fimitation to 'large cities dtid tele- 
iphone homqs." • ■ • 
. In releasing his Top 20 lists — just 
two weeks alter CBS, a Nielsen sub- 
I spriber; took it upon itself to give 
the press an earlier NRI top 20-+ 
Xlielsen didn't promise to continue 
Teleasing such tabulations. It "de- 
pended, he said h'igh-mindedly, on 
How the press treat^.th)^ tabulations 
sad. whether „fhe Mwtry- "shows a 
.VjliXlmfpieas to .accept and use"- the 

K < ■ . (Continued oit page 36\ 




♦ ♦» MMMMIMM » 



■8i.' 

8. 
9. 
l6. 

it 

12. 
13. 
14. 
15; 
16. 
I'.IV. 
• ■ 18. 



■ ; (g) Not ranked in Top 20 in pteceding,report. . , - :« ». 

■' ■* Includes only 30-minute, once-a- week programs. ■■ ' ■ ' " , 




I 



Mm Mm Inilex-Top 20 Nii^ttwe Shows 



VOTAL ATOMNCK* 
Current 

Rank Program Ratfnf 

' li'' *Fihber & Molly 24.8 

2: AmOs 'n' Andy 23.8 

Chase & S'born Program.23.1 
Truth Or Consequences. .22;8 

Bob Hope' "•••22i5 

Fitch- Sandwagon 22;5 ■ 

Fred Allen Show 22,3 , 

Life of Riley '.....21,8, . 

Jack Benny 

Dufly's Tavern , , ,. .20.5 

Rea^Jteltott^ : 20:^ 

My Friend Irma WS- 

Sam Spade 19 ,5 

Date With Judy M.5 v 

Inner Sanctum 19,3. 

Great Gildersleeve 19.S' 

Hit Parade 19.1 

Kraft Muiic Hall 19 0. 

Blondie » I8.r; i 

Mr. District Attorney. .. .Ifi."? 



(Week Oct. U-tS) 



Points Prcv* 
Chance Rank, 



NRI BOWkS fVM DOILAB 
NRI 



-1-1.2 
+ 1.1 
+3.5 
-1-3.9 
—0.4 
+3.8 
+1,7 
-i-l;5 
+2j. 
+3;4 
+03 
-^,0 
+0.3- 
+2,1 
—0.6 
-f-2,5 
- +0.7 
+0.8 
+1.6 
—3.2 



,3 

u- 

17 ' 
2 
19 

' '6 
' 7" 
13 

(g)- 
8 
4 

.14 
(g) ■ 
9 

■(g) 

20 

(g) 

(g) 
5 



Rank Progr»m Home* 

1; Curtain Time ............67*, 

2. - Big Town 490 ' 

3. Famous Jury Trials 458 • 

4. Fat Man . .«6 

5. Nick Carter ...,'.,.. .*,. 455 
■<i. Date With" Judy- ,.455 

7. Cj^angbus.ters >.u....>447 
i.' ; Crime photographer ■ . . .442 ' 

9. Inner Sanctum ....... . . .435 

10. Break the Bank .' i.-.423 , 

11. Sam Spade' .,,....416 

12. My Friend Irma ,.,..398 

13. Man. Merry-iGo-Bouna 

14. Truth or Consequences • .384 • 

15. Life of Riley 379 

16. Waltz Time -....373 

17. Grand Ole Opry ....,...,372 

18. Duffy's Tavern ..........370 

19. Murder & Mr. MaJone...367 , 

20. Mr. District Attorney :.. 366 . 



. PreTi 
Change Rank 



+195 

-? 
+60 

—21 

—54 

+49 

+19 
—14 
—52 
+6 
—61 
+27 



~<35 



18. 
,-t 
.13 
3 
1. 
12 
(B) 
9 

4 

11 

■5 
20 
(g)" 
(g) 
14 

(«) 

, (g) 

.w 

7 



Eye Closely Effect Of 
Stassen Polil. Platter 

Washington, Dec. X 
Over 150 stations throughout the 
countfSF have> already replied to a 
querylrom^ indie radio' j^rdducer Ed 
£Eat1t & Assoctales 'on their willing' 
ntss to air gratis two recorded in 
tervJeWjS featuring the vifews of GOP 
presfffentlal candidate Harold Stas 
«en OH top-level dcftnestic issues. 

This is heavy response on a sam- 
■jpe queiry. which went out to 400 sta- 
tions over the Nov. 23 .weekend and, 
as a result, some pf the^ other politi-. 
cal aspirants in both the Pemo .and 
GOP' ranks are' eyeing the Stasse'n 
tadio campaign closely. So far as is 
known, it is the first time a White 
Hotise candida^l has used the tech- 
nique of frefe. recordings to reach a 
nationwide ' radio audience. 

Jf the favorsble respon.se eojilin- 
txes, Stassen backers said they might 
ship out a second, platter giving 
tlieir candidate's . view^-, on foreign 
polipy, Oiie of the original platters 
j^cbres an "exclusive" in airing for 
the first time the Minnesotaa's nine- 
point "anti-inflation" program. Con- 
trary to an intimation irji 'Vauieti' 
last week, the Stassen .stanzcis are 
ao.t, in any case, available for com- 
apnercial sponsorship. . 



Everybody Wants 
To Get' Into The 
Radar Ratii^ Act 

Everybody's getting into the radfr, 
act, including C. E. Hooper, whp 
clai;i)S he's had an outside outfit 
tinkering for the pas^two years with 
higR-firequency' measiifrement of 
radio listening. . No field tests bave 
been made, Hooper reports, but' one 
is coming up. The test probably 
will be made on FM listeniiig in 
New York; City, sometime afteij the 
first of the "year. . •' <: 

Hooper is not unmindful, how- : 
ever, of the fact that his use ot radar : 
to measure tuning would give - his 
arch-competitor,. A. C. Nielsen, 
grounds ^or a loud snort-^the radar 
technique being in effect an instan- 
taneous audimeter sirstem, providing, 
the same sort of movement-ofrdials 
info which Nielsen's tape machines 
give. . , '; 

'■ Hoper says he considered : some 
time ago 'the idea of spt-inging ' the 
radar gadget "as a publicity stunt" 
but discarded the' plan because of 
ths almost certain reaction frpm the 
rival camp that "i)Ow Hoopec's turn- 
ed to the audimeter'tecbnique," 

Now that CBS, 'Albert Sindlinger 
and possibly others are jumpmg into, 
radar experiments. Hooper thinksh^ 
will gol ahead with his tfwW "gadget: 
"We will examine' any new avenue 
Of audience 'information," ■ he ex- 
plained. 

He's still sticking by his tele- 
phone-coincidental glins, of course. 
As for the claim .that xadar offers 
speed in reporting listening, "Hooper 
retorts, "If that's the appeal,, we've 
got instantaneous reports, too! We 
can give anybody froni the Presi- 
dent on down a rating on a program 
within a couple of hours, I don't 
think information gathered \)y fadar 
can be compiled and transmitted to 
a central point much quiekeri? 



How Hooper Rates 'Em 

(DEC> 1) 

Bob Hope 25.9 

Jack Benny 25,3 

Fibber & Molly 25.0 

■Charlie McCarthy 24.4 

Amos 'n' Andy . . , . , 22.6 

Fred AUen ■. 22.2 

Red Skelton 21,8 

Radio Theatre"",..,;.; .21.8 

Mr. District AttOrftey 21.0 

Walter Wincfi'ell ,...20.3 

Truth or Consequences 20.3 

My- 'Friend Irma ........ 18.2 

Ai Jolson 18.1 

Phil Harris 17.7 

Godfrey Talent Scouts 17.4 



Father Peyton's Yule Show 

Biggest all-star , Christmas show 
cutside Elgin's two-hour Yule 
splurge is being wrapped up by 
Father Patrick Peyton, creator of 
"Family Theatre," for airing on the 
Mutual web Saturday, Dec. 20, -9-19 
p.m. . ' ' . 

, Ethel Barrymore will- narrate the 
JStanza.'tiHed "The Joyful Hour" and 
probably to include a dramatization 
Of The Nativity. Bing Crosby. Dick 
, Hayme^ and Dennis Day will be 
c heard from Hollywood, and Perry 
. Como, Kate Smith and the> Mullen 
gisters from N. Y. Other^participants 
irom the Coast will include Maureen 
■ O'Hata, Maureen (rSuUivan, Roddy 
McDowell, 'Jeanne Crain, Joan Les- 
jje, McDonald Carey, Pedro deCor- 
)it)bj^ mA Bicardo MoDialb&n. 



'Netwbrklor Peace' Now 
Embraces 100 Stations 

, . • ■ ■ ■ Washington, Dec. .2; 

More, than >V^ tadio 'stations, "in- 
cluding three regional webs, are now 
carrying the "United Nations To- 
day" show on the "Network " for 
P^ace," Chris Cross, U. S.' radio, 
liaison of-ficer for the United Na- 
tions, wrote Justin' Miller, prejcy Of 
the National Assn. of Broadcaster.?, 
last .week.; ;■*• 

The show offers ' listeners an ob- 
jective daily report on goings-on at 
Lake. Success, including pickups of 
actual debate in important sessions. 
Cross said the informal "Network 
for Peace" is still expanding and 
explained that he was forwarding 
this info to Miller becau.se bf fre- 
quent allegations that "American 
radio does not devote sufficient time 
and energy to public service pro- 
gramming." 



1946 Hits AllTime High, 
$39,637,000 Jn Private 
Export of Air Equipment 

Washington, Dec. 2. 
Last year was the. all-iiine high 
for' the private export trade in radio 
equiftment, according to a survey of 
the Dept. of Commerce, Exports of 
receivers,, receiving tubes, compo- 
nents' and accessories were th.e sec- 
ond highest sinee 1922 When the 
group was first classified separately. 
Value of the 1946 exports was' 
$39;637;000, about one-third < over the: 
prewar pe^k year of 1937 and nearly 
double the ,1939 figures. Howevejf, 
it fell about $5,000,000 under the 
$44,7181,000' peak achieved in 1944 
when virtually all the exports of 
radio equipment .were military and 
about three-fourths were sent abroad 
under lend-lease. 

'^The total amount of the 1946 ex- 
port 'trade,V< comments Commerce^ 
"is "more, significant when one con- 
siders that it was accomplished 
against considerable odds, both at 
home and abroad. The problem of 
reconverting plants, shortages of 
basic raw. materials, and components, 
labor difficulties and an unsettled 
national price control system, all op<?' 
erated tp hold 'fiiw4iictioir below ..the 
levels otfigji&*lJy^feoi)B^I for by'nianu- 
faQturers., ; ,■. ■,,'■.;■■■ 

"U. S. radio receivers — and ■ ib 
some instances receiving tubes and 
components 777- have been and will 
continue to be denied importation; 
by several countries because of 
patent pools, high import tariffs, 0/ 
programs for protecting and promot-« 
ing domestic industry. Despite the 
many obstacles, receiving equipnxeni 
and components are still being 
widely distributed abroad. 

"Latin America has tripled its pre- 
war imports and continues to be our 
best market export area. Sales to 
our southern neighbors in 1946 ac- 
counted for 60% ol the total trade. 



News Beef Over 
Denny s FM Vote 
May Cue Other^ 

Wa.shington, DeC: 2. - 
The N. Y. Daily News', attack on 
former FCC Chairman Charles R. 
Denny, Jr. for voting on the N. Y. 
FM cases after he had contracted to 
become NBC general counsel, may 
be precedent for some other disap- 
pointed bidders in other cities, ac- 
cording to talk here. 

However, - FCC'ers point out that 
Penny ih no instance cast, k vote 
during his< last twt>~ w'eeks^ et the* 
Comhiission where'his ballot decided 
a case one way , or a'nother. Irfthos^ 
cases, he refrained from votihg. Thtf: 
vote agaihst'the Dally News, fbr ex' 
ample, was 4-to-2 with Denny paC' 
ticipating. V : 

The . News' tlast, however, has 
stirred up plenty of comment. "La; 
,bor," weekly publica,tion of the Rail' 
road Brotherhoods which has coHi 
sistently opposed new.spaper owner 
ship ot radio stations, this week: 
jumped' into the fray. -The paper, 
under the heading "Another FCC 
Scandal," declared: ... "this triek. 
of dangling a big job under the noses 
of members of regulatory commis- 
sions Is largely, responsible for the 
flagrant failure of those commis- 
sions to function in the p'ublic' in^ 
terest." 



m$ Policy 
OnGoodTaste 
. k Sli Hazy 

A- tew weeks back « pair of NBC! 
top execs. Ken Dyke, of program- 
rotng, and Harry KOpf, of sales, went 
to the Coast to alt down with the 
web'8 flock of comic9, as well as 
writer* and directors, ostensibly to 
set up A .code ior. good taste on the 
alir. 

Last .week |4^^B0 came out with a 
th)ree*pAg^ press release announcing 
conclusion of the series of informal 
discussions with, amon^ others, Jack 
Benny, Eddie Cantor, Fibber & 
Mojiy, Sob Hope, Sdgar . Bergen, 
Burns '& Allen, Dennis Day, Kay 
Kyser, £e4 Skelton, etc, . ISTfte «tate' 
ment told of pce^cy Nile? Trammells 
delight Over the <enthus{a^tle -and 
voluntary cooperation ot all talent, 
clients and agencies in the "joint 
exploration' of ways and means ^o 
keep broadcast material ilean and 
acceptable in the American homes 
tft all times.'' 

Aside from suggesting thftt the 
idea kicked aroand Will he incor- 
porated into network policies and 
•'that they'll expand rather' than re- 
strict the "exercise of ingenuity and 
ability," NBC's statement remnins 
pretty nebulous as to future tabus or 
liberalized viewpoint. 

Dyke has made some off-the-cuff 
revelations as to easing the ban on 
such words as "diaper"— -previously 
denied comics — and giving the okay 
on heretofore banned lyrics, but just ; 
where the differences exist and the 
clipped tabus, begin and end are 
something left for the listener to de- 
cidev ,. ■■, i'/;- 

Only concrete policy set forth in 
the release is a new 30-second "fad- 
ing" method inaugtirated by the web 
when jit feela .it necessary to cut ob- 
JectiQtiable materiaL Web says 
comics will only be faded if, after 
agency-client-talent huddles, . they 
refuse to comply with web stand- 
ards. ■ 

There'll be a standby announcer 
who wiU express the network's r^-, 
gret in "interrupting this program 
in order, to delete material which in 
its opinion would be objectionable to . 
listeners in many American homes." 



PHILCO IN DAHAS FM DEAL 

Dallas, Dec. 2. 

Sanger department store, Dallas, 
and Fhilco Radio Corp. are co^spon- 
soring a nine-hour daily program, 
10 p.m. to 7 a.m., via the FM facili- 
ties of KIXL, beginrting this week. 

It's a year's contract. News and 
disk music is the format 

'■ ■ ■ :i 



Lester Gottlieb 
Kicks Around a Television 

■;■ ■'■■111'' 

"The Video and Mc" 

a feature ia the forthcoming 

42d Annimrtmy Nunnber 



'Aldrich' Troupe To 

Tour Vet Hospitals 

Harry Ackerman is readying 
troupe to present an "Aldrich Fam 
ily" sketch at vet hospitals in the 
N. Y. area, under Theatte Wing aus- 
pices. Company will include Ezra 
Stone, Jack^ie Kelk' and all the reg 
ulars of the radio ca.st, except Kath' 
erine Haht, who's in the legit- show, 
"The Heiress," and cannot partici- 
pate, plus a number of lemme char 
acters specially written in. 

Idea is to give the ex-GIs plenty 
of gals to gander. 

CFRB Goes 50 Kw. 

Toronto, Dec. 2, 
Indicating a relaxation of policy 
on the part Of the Canadiaa Broad 
casting Corp. toward privately 
owned station.? in the Dominion 
grant of a boost in power from 5 
000 watts to iiCOOO for CFRB, To- 
ronto, was announced today (Tues.) 
by Harry Sedgwick, prexy and gen- 
eral manager of the station. While 
five government - owned stations 
have 50kw pow^rj the grant to 
CFRB is the first to .» privately 
owned outlet. ■ 

CPRB, operating on lOlO'kc,' is the 
sister station of CKLW, Detroit. 



In 

Documentary Series On 



[uency 

Minneapolis, Dec. 2. 

WCCO, Wednesday j(25), started 
.<;eries of four . documentary radio 
discussion shows i^to attack problem 
of juve delinquency. Series is* spon- 
sored by Minnesota 'Radio Council 
and spotted at 8;30 p.m. 

Same station was responsible a 
few months ago for the highly suc- 
cessful ""Neither Free Nor Equal" 
series attacking midwest racial dis- 
crimination. Series was since pro- 
duced by other stations. 

Haft-hour juve delinquency broad- 
casts follow "Neither Free Nor 
Equal" format in dramatizing actual 
cases. Following; each broadcast, 
"town ■ meeting" discissions are 
booked in both St. Paul and. Min- 
neapolis studios, with public invited. 
Similar meetings w'eTe set in other 
comm'unitieS in the' area. 
' Programs were to serve as bases 
for definite foUowup activity by 
some 20 civic and service organiza- 
tions through the state. Participating 
in ■ initial forum were Dr. H. S. 
Lippnoan, of Wilder child guidance 
clinic; Dr. Paul Berry, sonologist at 
Macalester College, and others. 

Meanwhile^ Mayor Hubert H. 
Humphrey of Mimieapolis, who has 
been active in promoting tolerance; 
awarded WCCO a certificate of merit 
for its production of the "Neither 
Free Nor Equal" series. 



BBC'er to WCOP 

Boston, Dec. 2. 

Joseph Kenneth Meyer, former 
BBC announcer, is on staff at WCOP 
(ABC) as of this week. Meyer was 
affiliated with CBC; Canada and, 
since 1945, with the BBC in London, 
handlmg special assignments and his 
own trans*Atiantie show "Hello 
New England.". 

He's also giving course in produc- 
tion and microphone technic at 
Curry College. 



'Favorite Kid' Salute 

Laurence Hammond, indie pro- 
ducer, will tee off a new show idea 
on IVtutual tonight (Wed:), 10-10:30, 
with Milton Berle, Guy Lombardp, 
•Red Barber and -'Oscar M. Lazrus, 
board chairman of the-Benrus Watch 
Co., guesting in a "My Favorite Kid" 
salute to today's youth. 

Each of the guests will intro a.s liis 
"favorite kid" some youngster out- 
standing because of business, athletic 
or musical ability. Youth organiza- 
tions such as the Boys Clubs of 
America and Junior Achievement, 
Inc., nominated the juveniles. Bill 
Slater will emeee the stanza, which 
Sidney Slon and Jim Xurjian are 
scripting. 



HADIO 



S9 



MIDDLE-OF-ROAD SWEEPS AFRA 




Washington, Dec. 2. 
In' what may well be a precedent In. can^palgning for a job as Fed* 
cral Comttiunications Coiumissioner;, J}ac&«r« hi Cbicagoan John Bick-' 
ley,.<leacrjbed as a "well^nowh pqbljlc! utility <^jp«rt'* have distributed 
jpubli*ity here and in Chicago annDiincjng his candidacy for the FCC 
chairmanship. 

The White House was "blanjc" on the announcement and FCC'ers re- 
ported knowledge ot no (Congressional campaign to seat Bicltley. The 
office ht Senator Scott Lucas of Illinois had no correspondence on the 
■ jiubject. 

An undated release mailed to the press declares: "Outstanding in- 
d.uslry apokcsmm in the radio and communications fields today recom- 
mended to; President Truman the appointment of John H. pickley of 
Chicago, iwell-Jtnown public utility expert, as chairman of the Federal 
CntrimuiAicatipns Commission." 

' Bickley served as chi^f accountant with the FCC in its inve.stiga- 
tipn 0( fihe Bell Telephone System between 1935-37. He is a former 
director of accounts, an4 finance for the^ public service commission of 
' Wisconsin, from Id31r37 anii now has 4 private accounting practice in 
Chicago. ^ 



RWG's Minimmii Bade at CBS Already 
Starts to Look lib Maxminm Basic 



■'The flew Minimum. Basic Agree-t 
ment between the Radio Writers 
Guild and the networks is already 
showing signs of becoming a maxi- 
mum basic agreement. CB.S. for 
instaiiiie, has frankly told scripters 
that its, policy henceforth is to stick 
to the letter of, several clauses in 
the pact, in contrast to its former 
•action in granting more liberal 
terms on the matters involved. ■ 

For the present, negotiations be- 
tween writers and CBS, at least 
those relating to contractual mat- 
ters, are ^handled ■ Ifor the network 
by its legal department. Only edi- 
torial «nd production matters are 
handled by the script^and produc^ 
lion executives^ So far, the net- 
work, is eontinuing to pay above 
scale lor first performance rights 
for scripts, but is flatjy refusing to 
budge for the MBA terms as to ex- 
Clusi'Viity, -second performance rights, 

Om w;riter, who in the past had 
sqM scripts .to the network, refused 
last week to agree to the CBS' terms 
tor, a script ..for its "Studio One" 
.series. The price, the same as be- 
fore the MBA became effective, was 
agreeable. But the network lonal 
staff, cited the MBA terms covering 
exclusivity, subsequent performance 
and subsidiary rights, and insisted 
on sticking to them. In this case, 
the terras were sajd to be more se- 
vere 'than the author had previously 
obtained for "Studio One" scripts. 
So the deal fell through. 



Ben LudlovO- is composing aiid ar- 
ranging a ' CbrfstiVias fantasy for 
broadcast Dec. -21 by this Detroit 
Symphony, via ABC. ' " 
• He's also " composing, arranging 
and conducting the music for a 
series of li quarter-hour dramatic 
shows, "It Can Happen to You," for 
the American Cancer Society. 




LAUNCH PREPARATIONS 
FOR NAB COAST MEET 

Hollywood, Dec. 2. 
■ NAB's first Coast convention and 
first spring conclave promises to be 
the biggest and best to date when 
convened May 17, J.948, here. Pre- 
liminaries are already underway 
and indications are that previous at- 
tendance figures will be parsed and 
•events outdone in the best Holly- 
woodian tradition. 

G.JE. "Bee" Arney, secretary- 
treasurer of NAB, is expected to set 
up semi-permanent residence here 
some time in February to- ma.ster- 
mirid the event. Due to the geogra- 
phy of the town and sparse accom- 
modations for conventions of size 
considerable work must go into ob- 
taining of living accommodations, 
. meeting places for meeting proper, 
transportation, etc. Further compli- 
cating is anticipation of extra heavy 
socializing, vacationing and other 
extra curriculars. 



CBS Wed. Night Spot Seen 
Open for Hancock 'Point' 

CBS has come up with Wednesday 
10:3& p.m. as an availability for 
"Point sublime," which John Han- 
cock (insurance) has been testing 
for the past seven weeks on some 
ABC stations in California and 
Texas. McCann-Erickson agency is 
considering it. 

Account originally wanted to do 
the testing on the CBS Pacific link 
(Sunday 10:30 p.m.), where the pro- 
gram originated, but a cross-country 
deal on "Strike It Rich" at the time 
blocked the bid, 



C&S Coif ^ s Busy 
Time-Buy Stint 

What perhaps rates as the speedi- 
est instance of big-money tiine- 
buying in the business is the cam- 
paign for Chase' & Sanborn coffee' 
which the J. Walter Thompson 
agency got unMer way Monday (1^. 
It took JWT's head time-buyer, 
Linnea 'Nelson, and her staff less 
than a day and a half to line up 
availabilities and to issue contracts 
to over 200: stations. The campaign, 
which will run through the current 
month, is figured to cost over $225,- 
000. 

*The agency got instructions last 
Wednesday afternoon (26) to buy 
time on women's participation pro- 
.grams' wherever available in mar- 
kets of 50,000 population, with five 
days later as the starting time. 
Realizing that she had but two hours 
to make inquiries, since a holiday 
(Thanksgiving) and a weekend in- 
tervened, Miss Nelson, and her as- 
sistants kept putting in call after call 
to station reps. By. -Friday iUoon (28) 
the 2Q0-odd, statibns- had been se- 
lected and the rest of that afternoon 
was spent in making out contracts. 

Agency denied that the sudden 
burst of activity was due to a de- 
cision to unload some year-end 
money. The .spot campaign, it ex- 
plained, was tied up with a new 
copy twist that the Java packer had 
introduced on its "Charlie McCarthy" 
show CNBC) the Sunday before (23). 



STATE DEPT. UPS RUSS 
PGMS. TO 2 HOURS DAILY 

• Washington, Dec. 2. 

State Dept. yesterday (1) brought 
its DX' programming to Russia up to 
two full hours a day, with inaugura- 
tion of a new. 30-minule .show 
beamed specifically at the Russian 
seaport Vladivostok and the mari- 
time provinces of Siberia, 

The new program, headlining U. S. 
news and features, will be relayed 
at 9 p.m. Russian time from a .50-kw. 
transmitter in Manila. The broad- 
cast is being prepared by the regu- 
lar "Voice of America" staff in New 
York. State Dept. is now beaming 
32 DX shows a day in 22 languages. 



The Independents, moderate-lib- 
ei-1 faction in the New York local 
of the American Federation of Ra- 
dio Artists, won a landslide victory 
over the con.servative Artists Com- 
mittee group in the local board elec- 
tion last week. Sweeping all but two 
of the 23 places on the board, the 
Indies gained overwhelming control 
of the local, putting out of office 
nearly all the established AC mem- 
bers. 

The only Artists Committee can- 
didates elected were Clayton CoUyer 
and William Adams, both actors, 
who won out over the Indie nomi- 
nees, James McCallion and Les Da- 
mon. The fact- that Collyer, presi- 
dent of the local and national first 
vicC'spresident, as well as the recog- 
nized leader of the AC, was elected 
by only 10 votes over McCallion, a 
newcomer politically, indicated the 
extent of the Indie sweep. 

The decisiveness of the vote, in 
which a relatively heavy turnout of 
1,100 ballots iwerc cast, al.so suggests 
future repercussions nationally , in 
tl : tmion. For instance, Collyer ran 
nearly 100 votes behind Nelson Case 
and Ben, Grauer, who got 504 votes 
each. In the actor classification he 
vvoS'90 ?^otes back of Carl Swenson, 
who received 558 votes. Threm other 
AC stalwarts, 'all, recently -elected 
national, officers of the union, were 
defeated in their own local. .The 
trio are Margaret . Speaks, fourth 
vice-president; Ned Wever, fifth 
vice-president, and Alan Bunce, 
treasurer. Thus, three of the recog- 
nized heads of the AC and among 
the most; outspoken of its defenders 
at the last national. convention were, 
in effect, repudiated by their own 
local. , 

What the immediate results of the 
election will be in the New York 
local is. not yet clear. Obviously, 
Collyer, who previously appfearfid 
solidly entrenched as local presi- 
dent, is -now in a shalcy position. 
Since the vote became known he is. 
reported to have held private dis- 
cussions ' with various influential 
members of the Indie group. He is 
also said to have expressed the wish 
to di.sassociate himself from some bf 
the more intense AC partisans. 
Hint ajt Indie Split 

, There appears to bt the possi- 
bility of a split among the Indie 
forces over the question of the com- 
ing election of local officers. As a 
move toward re-establishing unity 
within the local, certain' of the Indie 
members have suggested the re« 
election of Collyer as local presi- 
dent. They feel that, particularly 
since he has expressed conciliatory 
(Continued on page .32) 



KALPH BELIS' FLACK SHOW 

Tiie Ralph Bells (Pert Kel ton) 
have a pro.iected radio series which 
they're submitting to. agencies. It's 
written by Michael Morris and is ai 
present in script formj . 

It's a situation comedy about a 
press agent and his wife. 



Football Coach Finally 
Breaks Down to Permit 
Pre-Game Pep Talk Pickup 

Young & Rubicam has finally ar- 
ranged to pick up: a . locker-room pep 
talk by a college football coach to 
his squad, for broadcast on the "We, 
the People" series for Gulf, via CBS. 
The network has okayed using a^ 
recording for the stunt. 

The spiel will be given by Jeff 
Cravath. coach of Univ. of Southern 
California, in the locker room before 
the' Notre Dame game", Saturday (5). 
The between-thC'^halves confab will 
not be- picked up, but a mike will be 
taken into the dressing rooms of both 
teams after, the game, to record 
statements of the players and 
coaches. Understood a hidden mike 
may be used, so the speakers will be 
less self-conscious. 

The' recordings will be edited for 
brevity and continuity, as well as 
language, and will probably be aired 
as part of the "We, the People" 
broadcast next Tuesday night (9). 
Previously, the agency had been un- 
able to arrange "for any suclj pep 
talk pickup, as no coach would con- 
sent to risk distracting the players 
(or himself) by having strangers 
present during the gab sessions, The 
USQ authorities had approved the 
idea; hut Cravath had nixed it. How- 
ever, he finally agreed to the pre- 
game pickup. 



fiadro W§ Improve Sales for 1917 
But Net Profite Less Hail '4(hNAB 



Not So 'Sweet Sue' 

Ciue hunters seeking "Miss 
Hush's" identity are fl.ooding' 
Vakisty's, switchboard in cails 
for info. ' 

Giveaway pot provided by spon* 
sois of Ralph. Edwards' "Truth 
or Consequences" NBC Saturday 
night quizzer now approximates 
$23,000; With the contest in its 
sixth week, gal's name is still a 
mystery but VAitiBXY's Sue Mor- 
gan is going nuts. She clocked 
over 300 calls in four days. . 



AFRA Strike At 
WHN Averted 



Threatened strike by the Ameri- 
can Federation of Radio Artists 
against WHNi New York, was avoid- 
ed Friday (28) by a last-minute 
agreement' on disputed wage, in- 
creases for announcers;- Several 
other issues remain to^ be settled, 
but all are said to be relatively 
minor, and unlikely to c$use an- 
other stalemate. 

Negotiations for renewal of the 
old contractj which expired Nov. 1, 
have . been in, progress for many 
weeks, but broke dowrf early last 
week over the union's insistency on 
pay increases. The newly-elected 
New York loi-al board met in emer- 
gency session Friday aiternoon and 
authorized the walkout, but ' an 
agreement Was reached before the 
strike deadline that night; 

The question of an AFRA sljoP 
clause in the new pact will be de- 
cided by a special : election, and 
other remaining differences are ex- 
pected to be ironed out shortly. The 
new contract will be for two years. 



ZIY'S J1,000,000 

COLHAN GROSS 

Frederic W. Ziv's "Favorite 
Story," plattered dramat series s.tar- 
ring Ronald Colman, has become a 
.tl,0(f0.00a item*— the first open-end 
transcription show to. clock up 
this figure in gross sales to spon- 
sors. Several outlets added in the 
past week pushed the staiiza over 
the top. Total number of stations 
now carrying "Story" has jeached 
275. 

Achievemient is^a phenomenon for 
several reasons. Show became, gen- 
erally available only last April. It's 



^ . . ■ ' Washington, D^c. 3. ' 

The broadcast , industry, as a 
whole, will register more sale-s to 
advertisers than' ever before in 
1947 but, because of the several 
hundred new stations on . the air 
since V-J Day, will chalk up less 
profits in 1947 than IW 

So estimates the National Assn. of 
Broadcasters on the basis of a . 
"projeetionahle sample" of -NAB 
membership -.whose finances were 
analyzed by NAB research director 
Kenneth Baker. His study coyer? 
station earnings for the first nine 
months of '47 for those- station; 
which were oh the. air in ' both '47- 
and '46. ■ 

Baker reported an average- -in- 
crease of S% in gross broadcast rev- , 
enues for 194T oyer last year for 
these stations. At the same time, 
operating expenses moved up 9%, 
Reasons given fpr boosts In, Operaf'- ' 
ing budgets ranged from operation 
of non-profit FM affiliates to meet- 
ing increased wage demands. " 

The NAB study concluded that 
small stations appeared to be "least 
affected by increased operating, costs, 
just as -small stations seemed to 
show the largest average revenue- 
increases" for 1,947. . . 

On the basis of his study, bakeir 
c'eplar'ed ''it would seem that; the 
1947 non-network gross revenue ' of 
broadcast stations would be in the 
neighborhood of $275,000,000. This 
figure would be comparable with 
the $241,000,000 reported by the 
F.CC tor 1946. 

"Since the 1947 figure^ applies Ui 
more than 1,40Q stations, while in 
1946 there were only 953, these esti» 
mates indicate the trend toward 
lower profits. ..may be continued 
into 1947." If these figures are cor-' 
•rect, average revenue for stations 
as a whole, will drop from over 
$252,000 in 1946 to $196,000 , plUi! in 

1947. :• 

The NAB study also showed: 
large' stations (7.5 to SO kw) expe» 
rienced a 1% hike in gi'oss rev-t 
enucs through Septerabfci', 1947 and 
an 8% b.Oost in costs: Medium-stzed 
outlets (500 watts to 5 kwj had a 
6% hike in revenues^: an 11% jump 
in expenses, - Small ^tatjons (250 
watts or under) generally • fared 
better percentags-wlse, reporting a 
10%' .hike in revenues and only a 
S% increase in operating costSi 



WBAL Consultant Peters . 
Admits Letter Agreeing 
With Blue Book Tkints 



v''-:';, ■■y,55rd^hit!ligtohj,''J5e,C,;;8«,:\:> 
Surprise development at FGCs 
the most 'expensively ^budgeted show i hearing on the renewal license of 
among Ziv's 23 properties, Colman's Hear.st-owned WBAL, Baltirtlore, 
take running $3,000 per program .yesterday (1) was an admission by 
plus a percentage of sales and the Paul A. Peter, private radio con- 



production budget running around 
$10,000 per week. Stanza is strictly 
a quality article, with accent' on 
smart showmanship. , , . 

Millid'n-dollar pot represents con- 
tract periods, since the minimum sale 
is for 52 weeks and several spon- 
sors have .hought the show -ior two- 
or three years running. 

John L. Sinn, Ziv's exec veepee, 
.believes no other open-ender has. 
done more fh»n !5'iO(),0()0 in sales up 
to a three-year peiiod. 



Femme Participationers 
Set Small Account 



Eye 



Women's participation programs 
on local stations have suddenly be- 
come a concerted center of attrac- 
tion for small accounts seeking to 
spot their products. Among such 
products that bobbed up last week 
were Blondex hair rinse, Chasex 
skin cream, Honey Butter and 
Soapine. 

Alfred Lilley & Co., agency on 
Chasex, is centering its time inquir- 
ies in markets where there's week- 
end skiing. Henry P. Loudon, 
agency for Soapine, is interested in 
New England outlets. Agencies on 
Blondetx and Honey Butter are Gray 
& Wagner and E. T. Howard, respec- 
tively. , 



sultant for WBAL. Under quizzing, 
Peter, admitted writing a letter- Noy, 
12, '47, int which he expressed- '''fes!- 
sentlal agreement" with Blue Book 
statements about WBAL's program-i 
ming' sin a sample week in 1944. 
Hearst attorneys are now ip court 
in an tffort to upset Blue - Book 
statements on WBAL's program- 
ming as "false and prejudicial," 

The Blue Book chai'ged that the 
WBA,L format in 1944 had less than 
2,5y? local live sustainers between : 
8 a.m. and 11 .p.m., and ho sustaining ' 
shows during' the entire same 'week 
between 2 and 11 p.m. Peter^said his 
analysis, however, turned up^ only 
446 spot announcements on the sta- 
tion as opposed to 507 quoted in the, 
Blue Book. 



Intermountam s 60G Biz 

Salt Lake City, Dec. 2. 

The Intermountain Networfe signed 
up about $60,000 worth of business 
for November,' to top its previous 
record established the month before. 

Biz inked by Lynn Meyer, v.p. in 
charge of sales -for the net, included 
a full 17-statjon exclusive of the 
Notre Dame - Southern California 
game to be played Saturday (6), 
with- Tidewater Associated Oil pick- 
ing up the tab. Tidewater is also 
isponsoring the Univ. of Utah-Arizona 
game on Dec. 6. • 



30 



tuano REVIEWS 



Wci(ftt0iif1ii7» DecewilMfjf. S, 1947 



'Let Trntb Be Known' Is Radio $ Smart 
Sake to Ad Conncil s Bangqi Job 



Next Wednesday (10) some 1.200 
affiliateoi ol the" lour major networks 
will start spinning k platter. It's a 
platter that spins a radio document 
called "Let Truth Be Known," and 
it untolds in simple draoii^tic epi- 
sodes 4 bis Job vnderjiaken'by the 
Advertisfaig .Council., 

This is radio's tribute— a lour-net- 
woik salute-'to an organization 
that,' in addition to products, has 
been /i>eddling human 'relations and 
public responsibilities. And because 
the networks feel the job that's been 
done is of such iniportan'ce. they've 
united to produce and distribute this 
transcribed IwU-hour diramatixatlon 
tor al) their afiiliate-s. with the re- 
quest that it be siven prime «how- 
c^mg between Pec. 1(1 and tlie end 
of the month. ' 

i!ere is shown that the same 
P'jople who sell soap, cereals and 
ciijarets can do as good a job in sell- 
ins, toleiHBce and nnderftfanding of 



Ulf TBinCB BE KNOWN 

Witb Van ffcAiBt S»nt<w Oiiees, 
Slsiieth' &«!«> Kai^ atell> Kath 
Iforke, JfaMHv She», BUI GrlBii, 
JuAitk LMfeser, Be* C^per, Jwuto 

X«BKs; Jatin CSart •reh. , 
WrUcr: ArnoM l>eri 
Bireetort XitetMH G«t>s** 
SajiertigM't .fohn Cakwra Tamer 
3ft mm. (TnmsMJIkejl) 
rrMhiCFtl br *' Netvwtka' ■ 



basic public issues. It's the lesser- 
iouted phase- of ,the COunciTs work, 
but one .whicih it' has' dfme ma£- 
niftfentjy. 

In the higbly-dranuitic and tense 
war 'yesxs, "the channeling' of the 
Council's energies into eaiergenqr 
measures was an accepted thisi^ but 
recognition Tor the le.<«s emotidnal 
peacetime }ob, of equal importance 
to the nation, taa$ been apt to by 
the boaril^. isaA because tlifr net- 
vrorbi lijiVe reeo|snb.ed the -viktue' ot 
ihe'Goumsiirs imssinp lob in the pest- 
war years, tb'ey have, gone all owt 
in spolltght:ng "Let Tnrth . Be 
Known." • , ' • 

Conceived by CBS presy Franl^ 
Stanton, the rac^o tribute has bcto 
tr£(»slated into one of the effective 
documentaries of- the year^ one in 
vrhlelv'no. punches- have been pulled. 
It has a scri^tme job by Arnold 
l^erl that^s f till of unt^erstanding and 
flfe. ' lIClMf- triith tliaf s made known 
in- dramatic sequences poses, the 
democratic way as against the to- 
talitarian way of solv:ng[ three . of 
the- major ""problems on tbe tl. S. 
|i.;-endu. There's the all-important 
problem of anti-Sen^tism. There's 
the economic plijiiht of tbe school 
teaSher, and tbnrc's tbe need to con-- 
serve food so that Europe will not 
■ ■ starv.e; ■ , 
■ Perre -method -of identijying these 
problems with- incidents itt the ev- 
erycUiy lite of the 'listener^ and so 
making ,edch listener a. part of ' tbe 
job to, be donel is as forceful as it 
is dramatic. Of Utmost importance 
is the fact that he's outlined a posi- 
tive plan of action, on all three 
fronts ^owini* bow the orcUqary 
guy. armed with intormation. can 
«cc: bow. be can ^rt the bttlli xoll- 
inst and contribute toward a solution. 
V.»n ^etlin does a splendid, job as 
. the narrator aiidi in fact, the entire 
cast appnaus to have been ch-:isen' 
wisely. MUchdl Grayson's direction 
Is controlled but vital. The various 
coinponent : partSr including: John 
' Gain's ' orcbe^itral assist and John 
Cobunt Tiumcr's overaA supervision 
beln-malce "Truth" > fine document. 

ConsjKIeriag the' content and the 
production, the Dec. 31 tally should 
z^kt Vhsf^ htr 1,300 ststicms. tt 
merits tlt9.t' kind' of reeo|aiiti0n. 
,,.,■■'■■ ■..;■..■:.;■■.'■ ■■ ICose. 



WILUAH L. SBnOKEB 

With GMree Hoc»*> snnMseer 

Producer: Jack Fcrn- 

1!; Mhis,, Sun,, 1 p.ni. 

{iiiHtainInc 

Hfatliai. fram New lr«rk 

Williain L. Shirer returned to the 
,air Sundtty (30), on a new network 
iMutual), and on sustaining for ftve 
weeks, when a new sponsor (Pied- 
mont Shirt Co., parted through the 
Weintraub agency) takes him on. It 
was good to have him back, to hear 
his cool, level utterance, his easy- 
to-grasp speech, and balanced> non* 
hypoed analysis, presenting the news 
and his interpretation of the news. 

It was also good to hear his assur- 
ance' that be would have full free* 
dom of expve.«.sion (for which he 
thanked Mutual) and that he would 
tell what he thought was bebiiid the 
news, becaH.<fe otherwise his pro- 
gram wasnt worth its salt.. Speakers 
with no opinion, he said, can't help 
the- public much in makinil up ;ts 
mind about a, situation. Shirer said 
he fully realized the responstibility 
of a man .hind the mike, and that 
radio commentators had. no. mo- 
nopoly on wisdom «nd truib'. He 
wouM try to present all -Sides ot • 
story, as a reporter s^.ould.' But he 
would arrive «t his own opinions 
and wouldn't try to hifle them. The 
opinions would be hi$ ^wh, neither 
his sponsor's or net's, 

'With - this calm, dispassionate 
avowal' out ot the wav he went to 
work on tbe news, on the UtTs 
historic decision , to partition Pales- 
, tine juid its si^ificance. He dressed 
that section up' with a dramatic in- 
terpolation, in a flashback "to the 
•UN voting. He pointed out how ti»e 
British bad tried to thwart the 
ei<:orts of the majority to reach the 
dedisiott. He decried Arab threats— 
unless tlie big powers aided them. 
■ He 'w«rt on more briefly to other 
ne\vs< the Paris situation, Chinese 
situation, Marshall Plan, l>andon 
Council of Ministers. Tne talk, as 
usual with Shirer,-' sounded autbori- 
tativcj analytical and highly in- 
- -riTative. Jflis return boosts radio 
a bh. Bro«. 



RADIE HABBIS 

With Cel«*i». ttrtm; ,lt»ny Manrjta, 

•nBounoei' '. 
Writer: tUdla Haivis 
rroduoer; Wttl Btbw* 
S Mint.; Mon.'rFfCt asS* 
tJO-OP 

CBS, from N«w y»rk 

Radie Harris, who gets around 
among "the personalities of show 
business, has started a new capsule 
interview series weekday afternoons 
on CBS, on a local co-op btusis, Her 
guest for tbe initial show Monday 
U) was Celeste TiJolin, who that eve- 
ning \vas ta' resume the Ado^ Annie 
role, which Jfte created, bi ' Okla- 
homa!", at -the St. James, N. Y. 

The show, obviously, is primbrily 
a name come-on operation, depend- 
ing on the marquee value of the 
guests, rather than the quality or 
scope of interviewing possible in the 
five-minute format. In the case of 
Miss Holm, she spoke a triile too 
rapidly, of her pleasure «t retuxnmg 
to the Rodgers-Hammerstein musi- 
cal, mentioned « recent picture (the 
title of which didn't register) in 
which Olivia De Havil)and gives a 
nice performance, referred to nwr 
own current Mm, "Gentleman S 
Agreement," and woimd up with an. 
anecdote which ^e attributed to 
novelist lATtra Z. HpbspVs seven- 
year-old 5on. 

As a tease for tbe following day's 
dties.) broadcast^ Miss Harris an- 
nounced- Kecman Wynn «s guest. 
ML-is Harris' voice nnd delivery 
lacked variety. Tony Bi&»vin put the 
show Ml the air and 4rikned^ it «ff . 



^♦♦» »♦♦»»»»»»»»» , »»*»»» » ?• 



BOME FOBVM 
'With Ann HoMea 
Pradi^eer; AM Balden 
3» Hlua^ Ml««..<ani>-Fri., S:»-4 pjH. 
rarttedMtter 

KGO-ABC, Sam Vraacis^ 

•There is a sti&A meatiness to .this 
interview and cotmoeitt program 
' 'Which makes for easy and incisive 
listening. Avoiding the lafty vac- 
uum Which beiiets and raak«s vidicu* 
Joris the obviously elocution-pitcbed 
delivery of many women air spiel- 
ers^ Miss Holden.^ .wai-m. ad lib, »n- 
artiflcial ' delivery ' handles a wide 
zange o£ interests from child cai-e 
an.:! poetry to books, music and cur- 
rent trends, all -with equal acumen 
and interest. 

Ten years on the air, and an as- 
•ured listening audience, has also 
given hef a sure touch in the han- 
dling 7»f her "guests" (thetitrical 
and Other notables) who come to or 
throBgh San Francisco. Intervie^vs 
are stimulating, and on tbe ungabby 
tide, with tc^ics reflecting the in- 
terests oi radio audience as well as 
'the experiences or tiackground of 
■the interviewee^ 

Program has average ot eight par- 
tiolfmting. spoiu»i:» : per program; 
-Kitb MjM Holden jEWHang on prod- 
vcis bef «re accenii^ tbem. JgiiiibUtti- 
Ijr « bright spot on local a:.-:. 

■■are*. 



niSPI^CED . 

Wtth Paal Maai, Leoa Stvutsy^ Seatt 
McKay Carl KaKry. Artbar Kakl 
WriteriK Fred Methet, Don Agger 
Bbeetnr:' Jaates Shelden 
Pr<i4a«er: Ted Bndes 
3» mms.% Sat. (89), Za» f 'jat. 
WNBC, N. Y. 

Produced and transcribed for the 
Citizens Committee on IKsplaccd 
Persons,, this .iis a r^o adaptation 
of a New 'Vorlter article (Sept. 13) 
by Daniel Lang and is the true story 
of Kurt Malcr, Czech, musician, from 
Municb until , his arrival in America 
this, year,- - Stanza i& expected to be 
aired over Rt<n>e than 200 station.^ 
tluroughout.'the country. It deserves 
such airing, for, tiiovigh. it's an old 
story by now-r-of Nazi persecutions, 
concenbration camps, homeless peo- 
ple, etc. — it needs to be retold fj'e- 
quently, lest complacancy make ns 
forget that the t>P problem hasn't 
yet been solved. 

It was particularly apprc^riate for 
WNBC to carry "Displaced," for 
Maier now is featui'ed in an early- 
morning show on this network flag- 
jihip. In- fact, it would seem that 
the station missed a terrific bet, 
with considerable imiKict, in not 
even mentioning this £act over the 
air. . A brief l>ow by Maier. at the 
show's curtain might have l>eon em- 
ployed, if only by implication, to 
show how Bne DP fitted himself 
into American life. As it was, there 
was tiimply a passing reference to 
Afaier in -the ctectits as co-«rranger 
of the music for the airer.. 

Bramat reenacted Lang's inter- 
view with Maier at the pier upon 
the latter's arrival in^ N. Y., tvith 
iMaier> portrayed by Paid Muni, tell- 
ing, his story in flashbacks. Muni 
gave the role everything possible. 
Overall production was sufficient 
but not impressive. It would have; 
helped somewhat if fbe stanza could 
Iiave haid orchestral rather than 
soaper-type organ brfflges. Dotm. 



. . .g fnraaby was impressive on his 
Philco show Wednesday night (26) 
on ABC«s &e narrator of Jeait IIoI- 
loway's dramatiaation ot Edward 
Everett Hale's "The Man 'Writhout a 
tSwmtry." There was- one other 
notable aspect ^ *tbe broadcasts 
That was the impression on the lis- 
tener, particularly during ' the -pj-es- 
ent emphasis on patriotism, of the 
familiar story of Philip Nolan's dis- 
grace. There has aljway* been some- 
thing ' disturbing about that notori- 
ous incident. But this broadeasi siig- 
gested as ' never before - (not even ott 
several previous presentations, of the 
same script) that tbe punishment 
imposed on Nolan was inhumanly 
cruel. It -was deliberate ai»d unre- 
lenting. Only death brought release 
for the officer 'Who, oh ■moughtless 
impulse, wi.shed never to hear of 
the U. S, agau). No one could seri- 
ously' have thought N<dan leaily 
meant what-be bad blurted out in. 
a moment of rage. In fact, as Hale's 
account says, Nolan's epitaph con- 
tained the statement that "No man 
ever loved "America more than he. 
Only ' the most supremely selfi 
righteous ; patriot would willingly 
face the same strict accoimtabili^ 
ol bis every reckless word that 
Philip Nolan faced. And this broad- 
cast suggested 'that, in tbe. case of 
"The Man Without a Gotmtry" the 
intended villain emerged a finer 
figure than did the ' zealots 'vybo 
judged' bint. . . 



KIGIN THANKSGIVING SHOW 

WiOtt pmi AliM»«%*> Mbseer •JNI' 
BM»y, Bai Wkfrntu, Jimmy Bar, 

I*rrV St»t\*» Margaret WhKliig, 
Sweeney & MPawb, rage CaWj- 
vaagh Trio, XcbMit MenubiiVVent 
Vagna, Boctar* af Harmony Quari- 
tei; Sic LaaciilatrllM^ <>«^ Sailtkij;^. 
Lou Silvers avck, Ke». €arpeMter» 
announcer ' > ' . > 

Writer: Ed Belwiell * 
Pi'oduoeri Earl |tbl , ' 

Hours Thnn. (tt), 4-4 p.M. < 
ELGIN WATCH CO. 
CBS, iram BaUywaad 

(/. WaKer Thompson) . 
Twice a year— Thanksgiving and 
Cbristtnai— thtoUgh the good 
grace* 0f Mgin Watch Co., wraps up 
a good chunk of the talent market 
for brace ot two-hour holiday 
air sbowa that have been taking on 
somethbiig;, ot gn Institutional char- 
acter. 

They vary but. little in format and 
showcasing. et tt^flight air talent- 
even down to the j-ear-in-year-out 
einicee reprise by Don Ameche— but 
i<^ becoming asr habit-forming as 
the traditional Tiurkey Day dinner. 
And in terms ot brightening Up the 
late aftemoon holiday kilocycles, it 
stin rates tbe, No. 1 spot ttxM re* 
laxing payi^ as a atuffed-itelly nn- 
tidote. 

This Thanksgiving .found Ameche 
stilt «dorm'Q£ the emce ss^ot and put- 
ting the usual lineup ot top t«dent 
tbrouxta tbe pacejt. Any parlay 
topped olC- by Jack Benny, Red SOtel- 
ton, Jimmy Durante and Garry 
Moore is a sureilre' guarantee ot a 
comedy semester. Throw in some 
musical interludes by Yehudl Menu-' 
bin, Uargaret Whiting, Mair Jana 
Smith, the Page OvanaiHth Trio and 
Allan Jones, with an additional 
comedy assist by< 'Vera "Vague and 
Larry Stor«^ and it adds up to an- 
other one bt those Havorsonte holi- 
day padtages off tbe \av BIgin-J. 
Walter Tbompiiton production ahelt; 

Blgin has gone off the deep end 
on one ais two oceanonst in the past 
with a greater talent ^lurge; Hittst 
have been more e:<i»)cting Tiianksr 
giving-Christmas Elgin' picaductions; 
there have been far better scripting 
assi.^ in previoua yean and les.^ 
obvious muffing ot lines— 4iut 'come 
6,- p.'m. sitfgan time and the overalt 
ellect up«Hi the listener r-em.ains 
pretty much the s^me. A-ni<»ly-, 
patterned' muslcwcomedy-varietjr 
package, with, the usDa) serious over-, 
tones via dramatic vigtiettiss keyed 
to the holiday motif, pltfs- Ameche, 
the finesse "kid binuidf tar the 'Wrapr 
up job. 

Elgin, of course, gets io its fair 
quota ot commercial!!, delivered 
straight and integrated into the^ 
show's comedy pattern, with an aS' 



sist from tbe talent, etc. 



Rose. 



TV 4EFei< TBAVEKERS 

With AI. BoKi,. Baymond Tompkins, 

Jiie .MilicT. areh. 
30 MIds.; San., *i3» pja. 
BALTIMOBE TKAN^IT CO. 
WBAL. BatUHare 

' (Jos. Katz) 

A talent seeking program with a 
.nicely tied-in "courtesy" angle, this 
half-bom: airing, is just right lor a 
public service slot, tbe rea.son for 
sponsorship by the local traction 
company. A tuneful trolley directed 
by announcer Al Hoss picks up con- 
testants on its way around town -and 
the winners selected by -a mail poU 
of listeners Win engagements, at local 
theatres, niteries or station broad- 
casts. 

Spliced in between tbe auditions. 
Baymond , Tompkins, traction, com- 
pany p u b I i c relations director, 
makes awards to employees selected 
via letters from the riding public 
foF.jexeiDplary courtesy; 

Ross pacts well end orchestral 
spelling and' accompaniment of as- 
pirants is okay. Sum, 



Charles Beyer and Madeleine Car- 
roll co-starr^ Monday night (1) on 
Lux "Radio Theatre" in an adapta- 
tion ot the romantic fanta-sy, "The 
Ghost and Mrs. Muir." If any lis- 
tener could accept such incompre- 
hensible casting as tfie Ftench- 
accented Boyer in tbe swashbuckling 
role of tbe British Capt. Gregg, 
played on the screen by Rex Har- 
rison, the rest ot the program, must 
have seemed sheer realism. Any- 
way, Miss Carroll was plausible and 
appealing as Lucy, and it seemed 
pleasant to have her back in show 
business sqgiiR, But tbere -must ' be 
an "^explanation" tor that Boyer 
casting, % 



BICHMAN SPOBTS ' 
With. V*M BbUutBg 
5 HIas.: M«t.-tiur«-Frl.. 
BICHMAN BXOS. 
WTAtl^ Ckvetad- 

(DtcCann li^c^son) 

NBC's well-known sportsc^ter. 
Tom Manning,, uses this five-minute 
spot to excellent advantage with a 
complete round-up of the day's 
.•sports, ' One <xt tbe veterans in radio 
sportscastittg. Manning's background 
is- extensive; bis associations with 
leading figures stands bim in' good 
stead. 

JPreqUenUy, when the day's sports 
nevirs is light, hell bring in a t<^ 
figure as, tor example, Lou Bou- 
dreau, manager of the Indians on 
the day he signed a two-year con- 
tract; Wes Fesler, State's jfootball 
coach when the season ended. lEan 
ning's use ot language is colorfid. 

Manning's following in the North 
em Ohio .area is large, and because 
ot his style, his odd, and sometimes 
picturesque use of language, he is 
either liked or disliked. There is 
no middle ground with his listeners, 
' 'Mark. 



CBS' notable "Doorway to Xafe" 
series on the emotional problems of 
childhood fashioned .a landmark in 
broadcast hiii^tnajr Sunday <30) with 
a frank and mature foray into sex 
education. One of the towering 
achievements of this program is that 
it settled once and for all the ques- 
tion at whether such material can 
be handled satisfactorily op the air. 
With its .searching bnt unsensational 
approach, this show definitely 
deared the way for treating sex 
prbblems on a prof ounder level than 
that of soap opera. 

Despite the measured tone ot tbe 
script ttiis dramat's sti'aigbt talk on 
how babies are and are not made 
came as a surprise to tabu-ridden 
dialers. Tbe program didn't tell 
everything but indicated enough to 
parents on how to handle kids at 
the why-and-how stage. Lesson was 
drawn via the case history of a 10- 
year old girl whose mother used 
the hush-hush attitude. Frustrated 
and diiitrustful, tbe kid's norma} 
curiosity was twisted into a neurotic 
coinpulsion for lying, cheating, 
eavesdropping and Other nasty 
habits until an. understanding teach- 
ei' Intervenes with the tacts. To- 
gether with the expert «;rq>t, «Q 
other phases ot ttii-s program were 
itandled with', faste and „ sbowUQian' 

ship. '■ •'•' ■..",';.,,: ■■ ■• " 



MOST OBATEFinL MAN BV THE 
WOBLB 

With Alcxaader Scaarby, aarratar 
Writer: Bicbard MeDaaagh 
D:reetar: Jsmts Barvay - 
30 Htas.; Wed. n:3« pjH, 
Sastatebtc 

NBC, fraas New Tark 

On Thanksgiving eve. NBC knock- 
ed off its regidar "Your United Na 
tions" program with its international 
slant for a . patriotic paen to the 
United States. Titled "The Most 
Grateful Man In the World," show 
had a familiar ceremonious atmos- 
pltere that never -quite ignited into 
a moving statement of faith. Maybe 
it was striving too hard to be that, 
but the program couldn't overcome- 
some shallow history and some syn- 
thetic fiagwaving. 

Seeking some . underlying meaning 
jn the major tuniing points - 
American bistory, program looked 
back over 30{V years highlighting the 
birth and development of U, S, 
democract and the fortitude of the 
people who defended_jtI_There were 
llasbbadcs to a. New England colony 
VaUey F-orge. Getty.sburc etc., al- 
ways with the- American do-or-die' 
spirit prevailing in the end. It was 
primer school history at best. Good 
production and cast, Itcaded by 
Alexander Scourby as nanvtor. 
succeeded, however, in' ctving 
measure ef so)i8ity to virer. 

Kerm. 



EMJtRT. <|tl!!BH' t ' . ' 

^^^^J^^^xJS^^**^ Wert 

lMt«irsoi«,;iMill|eiiiier];:|tes-j^^^ 
■igaitflt ' - '' 

Wfii«m , lAinlMtd 'tml ;fir««e(I« 

, Dubnajr ' " _^ ' / 

Blreetor: Iltek W*«4leii 

3* Mins.; Thwrs., 7;M )(M. 

SasMniinc 

ABC, trom HallyweM 

Tbe "Mlerr Queen" that ABC 
debuted last tbunday, (27) as a sus- 
taining propdsition is with one 
exception the same .member ot tbe 
whodunit tribe that has been mak- 
ing tbe rounds ot other networks the 
past eight years under the aegis of 
such accounts as Bromo Sel.tzer and 
Anacin, The exception is that 
"Queen" as a program now carries a 
torch — a torch , miftde merely of . 
papier maChe. 

Tttat "torch" «ould be taken as a 
symbol pf smart-aleek cynicism. «0r, 
it could be looked upon — ^to iiiier- 
pose the bSenefit of the dottbt— as a 
suave 'way ^ot casting a tMSte ot ap- 
peasement to those who have been 
assailing radio for Us overexploita- 
fion of. crime drama, Tlie iwch is 
paraded in the prolog to tbe pro- 
.Eram. and tbafs the last seen or 
leord of it. 
SMiiM tbe prolog: "This program 
being presented in the intere.<;ts 
of a safer eomwiunlty and is dedi- 
eated againist cirfme, against' the 
crime- ot bad citizenship sokd intoler- 
ance, wbicb i* a crime against 
America."- In reriewinc. the plot, 
the situatioiia and the dmlog wltich 
followed, the listener must have won- 
dered just where did aU those high- 
sounding phrase* receive dramatic 
materialisatioii .duting ibe course of 
the scripts What he hesacd was a 
straight cojpsi pmd tckbiaiers opus;, 
-tritb the usual shooting» and conk- 
ings and masterminding perplexities, 
plus tbe usual- ^evlee 'of '^ueen" 
sto|H»ii>( Hm namChre at tbe M:SO 
mark to.pcamtt Vam guest "amchair" 
detective iA 0Hdtfc.«-stab at guessing 
tbe solution. Tbe high-sounding 
dedication bad been v>i^Iy put 
awj^ .in mottlball* tSn: next week's 
texSaHmeiit 

The tfuidk stif ift that the guest' 
jgursser reeeitred on the .opening 
stanza lent the lasiwession that the- 
angle was being, retained either as a 
memento or a .trancbise-bolder. 
Larry Sobkin, tbe curXent "Bllcry 
Queen," seemed . to be anxious to get 
the interruption over as'-oukkly as 
possible. On the other band, the 
shoiv may bawe been runnibg behind 
time and Dobkin 'wa$''^beedinK tbe 
wbirb'ng linger odt the dlreiitor. 

As a niece of whodunit entertain- 
ment "Queen" atarted'off on its right 
foot id every ynaf.. - It was .typically 
well contrived "Queen^" plotUng and 
dialoglng. - There were also the usu- 
al hackneyed ^aracter and action 
resorts, such' as the guy wbo has a 
habit ot jttggling a couple of silver 
dollars and escape from a dos^ by 
the use of a bobbypin.. The direc- 
tion kept tbe thing smoothly bal- . 
anced and paced and the cast pat- 
terned themselves doeely enough 
after the long line of their character 
antecedents on the "Ellecy Qdeen" 
series. ■■■■■ 

Bven without the dedication, 
''Qiietai" has sufficient flavor and 
freshness ot appeal to ensnare a sub- 
stantial air following, -ABC could 
strengthen its Thursday evening pos- 
sibiUties by putting it back-to-back 
with "The Clock" and moving "Can- 
did Camera" down a half hour to 
preceed "WiHie Piper." The switch 
might benefit all of them ratingwise. 
ABC would also be practicing its 
theory ot. program-type sequence-. 

Odec. 



SOUTHING FOB IHMNKSGmNG 
Wttk Jefen GatfteM, Jane ABhwi. 
John MeGavem, DeaaM Hastings, 
KdHli Weed. JeB Momw, Peggy 
ABsaby, KMrasB Mnrdack; Gcerge 

^MtefcS,-aSBrtWM.II... ..: 

Writer.; Iia: llMtlait. : . 

»)Mot«r: ChMlcs P«wer 

.1* Sfnw.; TboSK {ttif, MUt* p-as. 

Sustaininf 

ABC, tma How T4rk 

-Part ot a Thanksgiving week "air 
parade" arranged by the- National 
Cancer Foundation, this one-^shot 
dramat was scripted by ABC staffer 
Ira Marion to point up that the NCF 
is somethjing to be -thankful for, and 
consequently deserves widest public 
support, because no one knows 
where or when cancer is going to 
strike and few failles are prepared 
to meet the crisis it causes.- ABC 
donted the time for tbe program, 
John Garfield volunteered bis serv- 
ices, and the manic was contributed 
through the courtesy of the Ameri- 
can Federatitm ot Musicians. 

Plot was simple, easily' uuderstoodi 
plainly told. It came out of the 
mtCS files, an actual "case bistory" 
of. a motheriess family in ,wbicb tha- 
father was suddenly, incurably 
■tricken. The oldest son (John 
Garfield) couldn't' afford hospitali- 
sation or treatment for his father 
and h^d to qiut his job to take care 
of his father at home; the other son, 
12, quit school to help. They were 
pretty desperate- by the time an 
NCF rep arrived on the scene and 
smoothed things out. Tlie girl Gar- 
Seld thot^bt he'd have to forget 
about marrying was the one wbo 
ealled NCF to.tbe MScne. 
Role was right up 6ari\(4d's alley 
he handled it with dli^tcb. 
Rest ■of cast- was par- PSoBuctlon 
> (Continued on page 36) 



' Wedneediiyt December 3, 1947 










W J R 

6. A. RICHARDS, PrA^Mcnf. 
HARRY WISMER, As«r. fa fA« Pr«*. 




RADIO 



AFRA Election 



ContiVQCd from pace ^ : 



h..,liment, his . reelection might 
Bcive to placate sonte oi the ex- 
treme" AC members, who might 
otherwise "become toiher alienated, 
t.ius creating a permanent rift in 
thi> union. " 

However, other Indie members are 
strongly opposed to what they say 
would be "compromising away the 
election" after they've won. it. They 
argue that there sbould be a thor- 
ough house-cleaning in the local, 
■with a new lineup of officers and a 
careful study, with the idea of re- 
Vision, of policies adopted during the 
AG regime. 

There appeared to be a possibility 
yeiterday (Tues.), that the various 
groups' might agree to support Vir- 
ginia Payne, until recently national 
first vice-president, as compromise 
candidate for local i>re;^dent, 

Forms for nominating petitions' 
■will go out to the local membership 
in a few days. Any group of 20 or 
more members may nominate.- The 
deadline for nominating petitions is 
Dec. 16, after which ballots listing 
the various nominees -will be sent to 
the membership.' 'The actual election 
will be Dec. 3t. 

The Indie ^victory is regarded as a 
repudiation by the membership of 
organized factionalism and machine 
politics in the union. Despite its 
denials', the Artists Gdmmittee was' 
considered to have' operated as a ma- 
chine and!, mtil exposed at the na- 
tional ccmveiitiDn last August, 
worked more or less secretly. 

Since a primary- .pttrt .of the Indie 
campaign wals Opposition to faction- 
alism, with -a promise to" disband 
after the election, it remains to be 
seen wi^ether political activity within 
the local will nbw cease. Since the 
election, Indie leaders have! reit- 
erated their intention of .ijisbanding 
the organization. There has been no 
definite statement on the ,. subject 
from: the .AG. ' : ' . 

The election is also vieweS as a 
rebuke by the membership tomame- 
calling and smear tactics within the 
unioui From the Start, the basic issue 
of the AC. 'has been- that Its opposi- 
tion was' ^tfaer 'communist or com- 
munist-dupes. Although -AC heads 
avoided accusing .'any individi|als' of 



communist affiliation, they repeated- 
ly raised. the issue of communism 
within the union and, even as re- 
cently as the election meeting, 
warned the membership against be- 
ing "used" by communis^. With the 
Indies also disavowing communism 
and barring qonjmunist sympa- 
thizers, the whole question had little 
relevence. The voting indicates that, 
the members refused to take this 
talk of communism seriously. . 

TSie next election of members of 
the national board will take place 
next May, with the new board taking 
office the following fall. Meanwhile, 
a pro-AC committee has prepared a 
report recommending revision of the 
New York local constitution, to be 
submitted to a special membership 
meeting and- referendum soon. 



Industiy 

Continued from'paEC 27 ; 



yit. been calendered, for the exec 
committee, it was reported. 

Members of the public relations 
subcommittee: 

Robert K. Richards, NAB; Paul 
Rarbourn, for TBA; Robert Siwezey, 
of Mutual,, for the nets; Bond Ged- 
des* for RMA; Sfemley Manson of 
MTHAM, Rochester.'for fStA; Joseph 
Bailey, of Lou Cowan. Productions, 
for e.t, packagers, and Milton Rach- 
m."', of Deeca, 'for the record com- 
panies. ' ' 

Jtfembers of the legal subcommit- 
,:tee; 

Don Petty, NAB; John W. Van 
Allen, for RMA; Stanley Harris, of 
Majestic, for the record; companies; 
"Walter Socolow, of liang-Worth Fea- 
ture Productions, for e.t. "Interests; 
Leonard .Marks, for FMA: Joseph 
McDonald, of ABC. for the networks, 
and Thad Brown, Jr.^ tor TBA.' 



Fittsburch^-i-Claude Morris,.' former 
program 'manager, for couple of sta- 
tions around here, has resigned from 
the Julius Dubin ofttcd to join the 
Walker, and Downing advertidng 
agency's, isdio department. 




NORTH JERSEY 





AFRA Vate Breakdown 

The new board of directors ot the 
New York local of AFRA, elected In 
last week's balloting, are As follows, 
acconjUlkg to categories, with th* 
numbisr of votes each received tndi- 
cated in parenthesis: 

Annouiicers, Nelson C'sifo (!j»H), Ben 
Oimicr (."itM)» D-in S^Jrniour Giorge 
A. I'utniiiii (."it"), and IHchitrJ Stark (.MIU), 
uir InrteiwnileutB, - . „ . 

Ai-tcv. '>tl Pwenson (BJS*, Ctirl'-Efistman 
(610), Arnold Moan (Wa). Vliginln Payne 
<4fi«), T«a Osliom tl8+). CW.vt«tt Collycr 
UBSJ, I.U(,HHs WsH f*»). Anno Seynioiiv 
4(H), «n4 'Wlllinm AiIukib (4!!S>>. all Infle- 
p<>n(li!i(it.<) except 1,'olljer ana Ailanis, who 
WW AC nominees. " , ,. , 

Singers, Nancy BouuInHs (30:1K Genevieve 
Ro«r« (501). Julio Conwii.v (-IHi). .lolm Nehnr 
<4(i4), Ea lilndsttom (II'"). Kuiiene Lowi-n- 
tlial M(«) nncl'Kay Charls's Mia)), all Inilie."). 
: iniiepondeni atatliin iMiimmicer. Joo 
O'Brien (■17(l)( oBil Bound c(t«i l3 nian, .Ilou- 
ert mscott (4110), Iwth Indies. 

l<'ollo\4rInK are the defeated candidatoa in 
tlie >[ew York liual eleition, ae<-i>vdinB to 
t!la*sllicullon, wllh the faetlcm and number 
of, votes eath ret'wlved: , ■ 

AnBonneera: Tom Sliiilcy ((2:t), DwiBht 
Weist (40!<), Howard Claney (lot)). AdelnMe 
llitwley (!lf>9>, Kon Bawson (3iT«). all .AC, 
and aa nnattlliateO wUc-ins, Ivilh one vote 
c.wh, Rivhara Bradley, Ford Bond. Roger 
Krupp, Norman BrokenBhlre, and Johamrea 
SleeJ. . . ' ■• : 

Actora: Tames McCuJliim (4.'>S), Alan 
Ijnncp (420), Ned Wevcr (410). Vinton Hay- 
worth (414>, Elilalielh Morsan (4()4>, toh 
riarfc (S97), Carl Frank (:»T), Les Damon 
Ciffil), ■ Walter Gi-eaza (3!>(i), and Minerva 
l>ioua 818), all A(3 exiept McCalllon -ajifl 
I).imon, who were^ Indie, and Miss 
riouN unaffiliated. Also the following 
uniiffillated write-ins, wiih one -vote eaeJi, 
Frank Butler, Leon Janneyv Richard . San- 
iler.4. Paul Potter, Joseph de Santl«. Hester 
.Sonrtcigaard, Ann Elstner, Charles ^rving, 
(iKicc Valentine, Elliott Nugent, Philip 
lioeb, Hiram Shertnnn and Helen Hayes, 

Singers: Irene lieasley (458). MKrgttm 
Slienka (431), Travis Johnson (4M)i 
Stokeo (4(13), William Perry CHW),- Norman 
Horn (8T8),. all AC; *also the following mi- 
affllliated wrlte-taft with oPft vote ««ch: 
Robs I.eon»?d. Aim McKee, Marlon Mo- 
llnnuo,^ Evelyn MacGfegor, Margaret Damn. 
.,nd Pellr ItalgUt. 

Sonnd ene<^ts men: Qeoote Lehman <S70), 
AC": also a tfrlte-in vote'tor Donald Balti, 
nnanlliwted^ 

Betty Lou-Riggs Sfcow 
For 1st Wasser Package 

Pittsburgh, Dec. 2. 

First package snow of Pete .Was- 
ser, who recently resigned as man- 
ager of KQV to go into indie radio 
producing here, will be" a series of ' 
five-per-weekf open-end quarter- 
hour transciAbed prograns string 
Tommy Riggs and Betty LtftL For- 
mat has already been worked out 
and first programs wiU be cut this 
week,-' ■ 

Riggs Will continue in the char^ 
acter he's already established on a 
number of network commercial 
stints, featuring as before his imagi- 
nary little girl. Scripting is being 
done by Ed King, KDKA staff writer 
whose swnmer replacement comedy, 
"Iting fi>r a Minute/' was a click j>n 
that-station this year. He's also 
doing a role in the show along with 
JStephanie Diamond,' local radio 
actress who was on NBG.with the 
late Joe Penner a decade ago. . 



bade Staff "Radio 

Cloak-and-dagger boys will take over the HadiO Writers Guild's shop- 
talk session tomorrow (Thurs.) night at-Hollsind House, W, Y. Writer 
Robert Arthur will wieia the gavel to a discuwlon. wife JlObert^Newman, 
Who scripts "Murder at Midnigh^;" Fhmk Ttjford ol Young & Hubicam, 
who direpts "Molliif Mystery Theatre,", and Milton ■Lewis, author of "Tlie 
Thin Man" and "Inner Sanctum,'* participating. 

Seminars start at 8:30 and are open to anyone interested m radio writing. 

The AFM need look for little cooperation from AFRA or tlie tech- 
nician groups of the IBEW and 'NABET if aid is sought in its current net- 
work re-negotiations. For having always lone-wolfed its Way the AFM 
will find itself in exactly that position— unlesj advancing soltd guarantees 
of future mutual assistance to the others. Its frequently stated aon-inter- 
ference— nearer bordering on noh-interest, as well— policy when others 
cast huftgry glances is a thorn ti) AFRA and IBEW. AFM also once eros.sed 
NABET lines in Los Angeles, an«unforgotten incident. Similarly, Petrillo 
once sought platter-spinning engineers in bis group, bucking IB. In L.A. 
the AFM has also failed to join others in the Council of Broadcast Guilds 
and Unions, and more recently let it be' known tliat AFRA's then bustling 
network neg^otiations were none of its affair and would get no official 
backing. „ - . 

One addiiional resolution adopted M the last American, Fecleration of 
Radio Artists convention, not included in the summary in last week's 
Variety of the various resolutions, called for/ the national board to report 
to the locals "asr soon as possible" on the statiis i&f ilifi following resolu- 
tions of the previous (1946) convention: (a) dance remotes, , <b) interim 
conference of locals, (c> unity with- the American Federation of Labor 
and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, (d) active and 
associate membership, (e)' operation of national board being referred to 
planning committee, <f) ruling that delegates and alternates be present 
at all c%ucuses of locals, (g> national health and welfare program, (h ) 
uniform local caucus procedure, (i) publication of a brochure on the 
history of AFRA,.(}) new members, (k) national msurajiitie for members 
-tl) blanket contract covering all owned and operated, stations, The na- 
tional board has taken no 'action on the resolution. 



It took intervention by Howard Hughes to fix it' so Donald Buka could 
appear on .Alan Ladd's NBC show from Hollywood Sunday, Nov. 23 and 
reach N. Y. in time to rehearse for last Sunday's (30) "lYue Detective 
Mysteries!' on MTutual. Buka had finished making retakes on Hughes' film, 
'"'Vendetta," when director Richard Sanville asked him to appear on the 
NBC airer. Buka was' jeager {o work again with Sanville, wl^o directed . 
him for a year and a half in "The Sparrow and the Hawk" irom J^T. Y., 
but he had train reservations to leave the Coast ahead of broadcast time. 
A call to Hughes, who's headman of TWA airlines, did the friickr. Buka 
got a seat on a plane leaving 25 minutes after the broadcast. He. made 
it by having a car rush him from studio.to airport. 



Editorial 

Continued from pace 27 



Durr 



Jsssas Continued from page- 27 ss 

tained in the record, and'it is wholly 
improper for anyone to attempt to 
influence it to make its decisions 
other than on the basis of the rec- 
ord." 

Paraphrasing samples of several 
FBI radio reports, he declared: "It 
is: of little help to the Commission 
to be informed that an applicant 
was in 1944, at the height of the war, 
reported by an unidentified source 
as being in contact with another- un- 
identified individual who was susr 
pected of' possible pro-Russian ac- 
tivity, or that an applicant has been 
reported by an unidentified source 
to have been a member of the com- 
mittee to greet the late presiident 
of a large labor union, or that an 
applicant spokd at ^a testimonial din- 
ner -for the retiring president of a 
lawyer's organization, etc." 

The FCC member obviously had 
his tongue_ in his cheek when he 
added: "In' view of its many other 
heavy responsibilities, therefore, I 
think the FBI might \«?oll be relieved 
of the*burden of forwarding to the 
Commission, confidentially and by 
special messenger, the putlislied 
programs of meetings at which 
broadcasters, radio commentator.!! 
and others are speakers." Durr said 
such meetings are usually 'w'ell cov- 
ered by the press. 



coming hearing the Commission is 
interested in determining whether 
any editorialization is conisistent with, 
the licensee's obligation to operate 
in the public interest; and, if so, 
whether any limitations or condi- 
tions for the expr^ion of the li- 
censee's objective opinions are ad- 
visable or necessary to insure the 
maintenance of a system in which 
all sides of controversial issues are 
to be afforded a fair and equal op- 
portunity for the presentation of 
their particular viewpoints." 

So far, only a handful of would-be 
witnesses have signed up to testify. 
These include: Nathan- Straus, 
WMCA; Robert Leigh, fonh«r head 
of the Commission en Freedom of 
the Press; Joseph Beime, head of 
the Communications Workers Union; 
the "Voice of Freedom" Committee; 
The Progressive Citizens of Amer- 
ica and" ' the American Civil 
Liberties Union. NAB, in addition to 
a. strong' showing by broadcasters, 
hopes to put'top^ H>olcesmen of the 
publishing and pix fields on*' the 
stand. Eric Johnston, Motion Picture 
Assn. prexy, John S. Knight for the 
publishers, and other members of 
NAB "Freedom of Expression". Com- 
mittee have given informal commit- 
ments to appear. 



SAMMY SOLO'S ^VHN SHOW 

Sammy Solo, armless war vet fc- 
conlly spotlighted Arthur Godfrey's 
Talent Scouts CBS program, has 
been signed for a series of Saturday 
afternoon programs on WHN (N.Y.). 

Solo, who sings and is a protege, 
of Ham Fisher, the cartoonist, will be 
heard Saturdays from 4:45 to S p.m. 
starting. Dec. 2Q. Joel Herron's or- 
chestra will .provide mtii^l biick'> 
ground. 



Coast Collarites Vote 
Closed Skp at CBS,- NBC 

. Hollywood, 'Dec, 2. 
- Office Employees International 
Union, Locad 174, white collar, work- 
ers, voted 81 to 7 for a* closed shop 
at CBS and NJ3C. Election was con- 
ducted by D, W. Sargent of the' Na- 
tional Labor Relations Board, as' re- 
quired by the Taft-Hartley Law, 

Union's current contract expires 
Dec. 31. Negotiations for a new con- 
tract will be started .this week by 
Max Krug union business repre- 
sentative. 



Boston— Thomas H. Dunn, long- 
time account, exec with the Harry 
Frost ag6ncy, Boston, has joined staff 
of WCOP (ABC) as sales rep. Will 
concentrate on local stuff. 



.Memphis— Harold F. Walker, sales" 
manager for WISH, Indianapolis, has 
joined 'WMPS, Memphis, as commer- 
cial manager. 




VNIXnO KKXAI.r. OBVO CO. 
\Ve<1nrsda.v, KIlC, .10:80 VM., IC.S.T. 
.\l-ti-.%l— "«n tiie iKhriHl With I'ou" 
"THIS TIME FOR KEEPS" 
Mit.: LOU CLAYTON 




COCKY 



... obout the per<« 
centage of yearly 
renewals — nearly 
.perfect! 



WIP 



BASIC 
MUTUAL 

PHttAI>CI.PHiA'& PtdNEER VOICI 



r - 










.-n-\'f v.. EDWARD PETRY & CO. 1 



MArlc«t 3-2700 



'n 93 HALSEY ST 
NtWARK 2, N J. 



VeaiwBiaiiy, Pwiemlwr 1947 




KGO at SaOOO Watts 

Mmt Powerful Station 
On Pacific Coast ! 



The new K60 transmitter, on the air Decan^ 
ber 1, emits a signal of well over l(X>fiOO watte in 
the San Francisco Bay area! Thus» it completely 
BLANKETS one of the haiion*s richest, most 
important markets. > 

In addition, literally thousands of mw ra)$6 
families ^ over the West Coast can now tune in 
this great new station. Its signal extends all the 
way from the Columbia River to the Mexican 
border. 

Don't overlook KGO in YOUR spot sales plans 
for 1948! And don't delay— because lime on the 
West Coast's most powerful station won't wait! 
CaU the ABC representative' in ^out dty-^tpday. 



SPOT SALES 
DIVISION 



American Broadcasting Company 

NewYor)( Oiicago Sftn Francisco 

$3 Wtat ilnd St. Ovk Opera BUg, 1S$ M^ntgomry St. 

Lot Angeles . . . iHO Higkland Ave, • Detroit . , . Str^k Bldg, 




Dodgers Ask lOOG f^r Tele Rights, 
Candng Ford, GF to Reconsider B.R. 



Brooklyno Doagm tove upped 
their BsWttg price for television 
tights to ftll home games in 194» to' 
$100,000; double the atoxint jWii 
last year. Dodgers' price, thoiigh 
not nearly as high as the $300,000 
package deal set by the N. Y. 
■yankees two weelts ago, offers fur- 
ther Indication of the baseball club 
owners' feeling that tele will be 
•worth far more than radio in a few 
years and that now is the time to 
get in on the gravy. 

It's believed the Dodgers' asking 
price includes only Tights to the 
games, unlilse the Yankees deal with 
Ballatttine's,'.;whic!h calls for the 
services of Mel Allen, and Buss 
Hodges to double on the radio and 
video commentary. Fact that both 
teams won their respective league 
pennants last year is believed to 
have figured to a large extent in 
the price increase. Ford and Gen- 
eral foods. Which co-sponsored the 
jDodger games last season over CBS 
tele, are reportedly set back by the 
Dodger boost and are taking their 
time in deciding » whether to repact 
for 1948. 

Considerable doubt has arisen in 
the industry, meanwhile, dver the 
wisdom of having Allen and/Hodges 
tdte « i&ack at liandlit].g *>ottir »dio 
ancl Commentary ^ihiultaneotis- 
iy. Broadcasters are agreed that the 
two are among the too sports an- 
nouncers in the bushiess^ut believe 
the basic ■ differences in the two 
media will prevent them from doing. 
8 top job on either. 

jPor radio, it's pointed out, the an- 
nouncer must give a rapid-fire play- 
by-play account, making certain the , 
viewless listeners get all the color 
and intricate byplay of the game; 
With tele cameras on the spot,, 
however, such fulsome commentary 
may be far more than necessary for 
the televiewers. If the tsommenta- 
tators ttfed to compromise twetween 
the iwff medBa by cutting 4ovm ail- 
their wwdage, tben it^- beUitvea. <hfr 
radio iisti^ers ytovHA be left dnt in 
thecDM., 

Broa(b3B8t^$ tji$o point ^ui that 
tele eamerm ofien have tlieir lenses 
turned on the rarowds during the 
game for color shots. It would be 
too bad, they say, if this- happened 
while the ahnoiaJcer im try-: 
ing to flU in tite radio listeners with 
more detail on a play, or was talk- 
ing about any other action that 
might have sreeeded the shot. 
Yankee management, however, is 
reported determined to go ahead 
with the experiment. 



EUlt Fuinble$ 

N. Y, World-Telegram staffer 
Edward fillis gava television 
broadcasters 0ielr laugh of the 
week in his recently-coiieluded 
series on video by reviving the 
old color vs. black and white 
fight. 

Discussing RCA's all-electronic 
color process, Ellis remarked 
about how much better an ac- 
companying shot of a football 
game would have been if it had 
been viewed on an RCA color 
receiver. Game, though, was 
one aired by CBS, leaders of the 
opposition against RCA in the 
color argument. 



BBGBEEFVS.WEFM 
ECLUSIVE FM MOST 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 

BBC complaint to the FCC that 
Chi FM station WEFM was inter- 
fering with telecasts in southern 
England was welcomed here last, 
week by K F. Mi^onald, prexy of 
Zenith Badio Corp. imd owner of 
WES'M. 'Com54aint ftttlsters Mc- 
Donald's long-held contention that 
the 50me band should be ejedusively 
aUotted to FBI. 

McDonald first announced that the 
only way to prevent interference 
with English tele, would be for 
'every other isadio fgervice throufih- 
QUt the world to ibbiit down lad get: 
off those frBqiiencies." I^ec, how- 
ever, he said that WEFM iempo-- 
f arily would operate «t hotirs when 
English tele was not in use. He 
also atteibiitedi the interference to 
BXtreiflb- sunspot activity, which will 
not recur until 1958. 



l^b to Fid[ Up M 

■ . t . ChicBgo, Dec 2, 

Brown & Williamson Tobacco 
(ICools) will Jign the check for 
WBEB telecasts of Saturday night 
college basketball doubleheaders 
here, #<!«uHing' Dec. 13. Horn* town 
ball bouncing wiU b« tto«i»' W De 
Eaul and Noj^ttiwestem ©niverBl- 
ties. ■ • ■ ■ 

Sponsor will use quartet of ani- 
mated Kool penguins in one-minute 
film commercial* prepared by Tele- 
vision Advertising Productions. Bus- 
sel M. Seeds is the agency. 



Wiinns' l-Act<sro]tTeIe 
Its Camera Trouble Snag 

NBC television's big buildup for 
the start of a series of di-amatlo 
shows in cooperation with the 
American Nfittonal Theatre and 
Academy went for naught, when a 
studio camera conked out a few 
minutes before the show was ready 
to take air Suftday (30) night. 

Show, a one-acter by Tennessee 
Williams, titled "Last of My Solid 
Gold Watches," was scheduled to 
start at 8:30 p.m. NBC engineers 
worked on the camera until 0: 15 
but couldn't get it fixed, so the sta- 
tion finally resumed broadcasting 
with a film show. Play has been rej- 
scheduled far tomorrow (Thuraday) 
night. ■ 

If another camera doesn't do a 
last-minute ■ conk, meanwhile, NBC 
on Sunday (7) will air the second 
in its series of jalays done in coop- 
eration with the Theatre Guild, 
Show is "Late George Apley," star- 
ring Led G. Carroll and featuiring 
many of the original Broadway cast, 
Web and the Guild ran into difficul- 
ties when it was discovered that 
20th-Fox, which produced the "Ap- 
ley" film, owned tele rights to the 
show. Twentieth ctoyed It for 
video, however, and NBG is ready 
to go. 

TBA SEHING UP 1-0AY 
NliPOSTRYM 

One-day television clinic tees oit 
next Wednesday (10) at the Hotel 
Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y., nnder the 
apgis of the Television Broadcasters^ 
Assn., with TBA members from 12 
states expected to attend. AH ses- 
sions, except the awards luncheon 
will be open «nly to/^lSA members, 
in order to permit the tele officials 
to kick around freely the problems 
confronting the industry. 

Highlighting the cliiilc, in addition 
to the awardsi. will be a demonstra- 
tion of the Bell System's, new micro- 
wave link between N. Y. .and •Bos- 
ton; talks by three Eastman en* 
^ineers on rapid processing of film 
for video and recording of .tele 
images on flbn iter transcription pur- 
poses, aniS election of directors and 
officers of TBA J. R. Poppele, 
veepee of WCHt, N. Y., is cuwent 
pr*xy, Pam Baiboum, Paramount 
veepee, will chairman the awards 
lunch. 



NBC Falls in line 



Way the usually non-committal NBG •xecutlvei have gone out on 
leveral limbs recently to plug television !• believed to point up as 
much as anything alw the rapid expansion atreadiy made or expected 
to be made in the immediate future by Video. Until now, NBC top- 
per* have been noted for their aversion to njakhig optimistic predic- 
tion! but that hafl'nt prevented them from boosting tele to the skies. 

Veepee ove* teXe IVanKt B. Mullen has emerged as the chief crystal- 
gasser for the web. , Already committed to, the boast that tele would 
represent a capital-investment of more than 16,000,000,000 within five 
years, Mullen declared on the "Hi Jinx" radio show last week that a 
tele hookup between N. Y. and Chicago by the end of 1948 is a "good 
possibility." He also repeated an earlier statement that tele would 
be available to 22,000,000 viewers in the country next year and that a 
N. Y,-Holly wood link should be in operation by 1950, 



PUIadelpMa.— Alan Scott has been 
added to jtatf Of KYW, replacmg 
Bobsrt Warrto, who Monday (1) 
joined the NBG ttaff in New York. 
Scott, Navy , veteran, is handling the 
"Man on the Street" program. 



kemphis Byet» Early Start 

Memphis, Dec. 2. 
Television for MempI^ during 
1B4S WAS promisied 1^ officials of 
WMC, The Commercial Appeal sta- 
tion, after the FCC gave/ approval 
late tost week to the local NBC out- 
Jet for the first video setup in the 
ml#outh. • . 

Cbns^uction has .already begun 
on the transmitter -buildinK for the 
new television, station on Tliomas 
Bo'ad near Five Points northeast of 
the city and on the 750-foot tower 
which is to loft antennae for WMC, 
WMC-FM and the tele station. 

Henry Slavick, general manager, 
said the antenna - has been ordered 
and will be en route to Memphis 
within 30 days. The Chicago-New 
Orleans ' coaxial cables- are being 
laid nOw, he said, but will "nOt be 
prepared to taring outside 'tele- 
vision programs to Memphis for 
about 18 months. However, WMC 
expects to proceed with its own 
television feature as #oon as facili- 
ties are installed. 

Tele station is expected to be as- 
signed file call letters WMC-T or 
WMC-TV. Service i» prorarised a 
radius of 40' miles, «nplo(ying 13,800 
watts visual and 7,Sit( •uxal. 



A NEW MOie $HOW 




WRfnNG MACIIIIi'' 



(From The Guild Theciire) 
STARTING DECiMBER 6TH 



0« iM4lim^ &rtiiriiy Miglrt 

Daring which 2 mtmbers of «h« studfe wudliMM. with ih« a$si«tane# of abovo ma- 
rtin* and east, boconi* songwriters. Th« iisfoning aiidioheo lirars f li« «bnt|ia low 
miRutes offer lh«y dro wrifton and fh* following week a eompietod song fcosod upon 
titlos and lyric ideas submifftd by th* listonors is porformcd. All songs fNibiishod by 
Pat Baflord^ Music ( ASCAP) ; contosfants rocciv» 100 copios, a royalty contract and 
.a.woifear;r««ording..; ' ' ./ 

IMMa^in^^^^^ INC. (MifeM^^^^ 



Meinphis 

i$s.eo)xtiu4ea fireitt'pa'te: M'ses 

the No. 6 video channel, will spend 
$150,000 on the station and locate 
its studios at the Hotel Monteleone. 
Secpnd bid for Atlanta, Ga., within 
the past week arrived from the Con- 
stitution Publishing Co., licensee of 
WSB, asking for the No. 8 Slot. 
First bid came in from the Port 
Industry Co., licensee of WAGA 
there, several days «go. 

Port Industry also filled last week 
for uncontested tele channel 6 in 
Miami, Fla„ to bulwark operation of 
ite standard broadcast station WGBS. 
Company already holds video per- 
mits in Detioit and Toledo. . 



Televiiion Reviews 



4A's Ban 

ConUnneftfiom page 24 




commercial perfection after years of 
research on it by engineers from 
Eastman- Kodak, DtiMont and NSC, 
is a JspcciaUy-devised camera that 
takes picttires on film oflE the face 
Of * video tube. It was such a 
ctdnera that made possible NBC's 
airine films cjf the British royal wed- 
ding within 29 hours after the event 
occurred. With little llkelfliood of 
coast-to-coast network facilities be- 
ing established before 1950, many 
broadcasters had plmnned on using 
the device to can their Jive studio 
shows on I'tai fihn an4 then air- 
freight the «lra to BtftUate stations 
throughout the cotmtity. 

Such flhn, it's been claimed, would 
serve all the purposes that are 
served by electrical transcriptions of 
radio shows. It would, furnish, a per- 
manent record of a program in case 
of legal entanglements and would 
give actors and directors a chance 
to study their work before the vidOo 
cameras. 



Auto Firnis 

Contlnned .from p«f • 



1 cotttihneA from paie Z4 { 

CBS' , remote cameras, under the 
direction of Frances Buss, on the 
spot. Set was obviously no problem 
and Uie integ^mtion of plugs for 
Sondra Brdnd Products on sale la 
the store, was natural. Occasional 
glimpses of the storeJceeper stand- 
ing around with his hands in his 
pockets w«re funny but the ftumber 
of shoppers attracted to the store 
must have paid oil in plenty of 
extra sales. 

Camera work was a fairly easy 
job in such «. concentrated locale* 
with the lensers having little more to 
do than point their cameras at the 
proceedings. What with the bulky 
cables trailtag «round among the 
crowds of curious women, the loisers 
made out well, Stat 

TUB BELLS 

WHib MMirice Franklin, Abby Xewis, 
KUtiant Knne, Siuan ilMrMe, Pat 
Fay, nan Boper, WUHam liarceav 
Writer! Henry irvbM: 
DlreetoK .lEay Bmery 
ProAioer: Bob Bmery 
.10 Mins,; Wed. (2Sh pjn. 
WABII-Iliiminrt, N. X I 
"The Bells" can be written oil as 
one of the i fantile Works of the 
infant art of television. In its writ- 
ing, I3i«q>ing, settings, conception 
and ex«!Ution, thi^i hau-hour draiiiat 
resembled npthing »o much as the 
nick^odeon fare during the cinema's 
earliest days. Apparently, despite' 
the 30 years of fum producing ex- 
perience and 25 years of refinement 
in radio techniques, the new medium 
of video will have to find its own, 
building up from amatemrlshness to 
•.level of professional showmanship. 

Failure of this particular program 
can be defined not In terms of its 
specific weaknesses but in its readi- 
ness to accept^uncrjtically aU of the 
shopworn idicheg already discjurded 
by the films and radio. 

Played without conviction, story 
was an unimaginative tafceoH on the 
crime-and-punishment them« which 
was expanded without substance oir 
movement. Locale was f*ai>oe In the 
1830's, with the central character.be- 
mg a respected bourgeois who had 
killed a rich traveler years back and 
Who WM haunted conseoHently by 
the ringing of bells in Ms ears. - 

In lead role, Maurice Franklin 
was compelled to use such a hoary 
levice as a aotto voce aside to con- 
vey his; story. Besides the reteUin* 
via flMbback of the murder incfc 
dent, there was little to this drama* 
except some childish use of hypno- 
tism and awkward posturine by 
members of tlie least, Herm. 

ORGEXINGS PBOM SANTA CI.AVj» 
Producer: Brnest WaniM 
30 ABiu.; Tiies. T:3t 

guhbbl bbos. 

WraZ, PMUy 

i ^mJ"^®" video materi- 

al. That was shown forcibly in this 
one-shot, haU-bour segment from 
GimbeT Bros. dept. store "ToyJand-, 
whgi the camera was trained on 
WIP announcer Howard Jones 
SSJ^^i Kris Kringle doing the 

Whattya Want for Xmas" routine 
with a long strtag of moppets. 

Their answers and wide-eyed re- 
action to the Beard made good view- 
irirnot only for children in the tele 
audience but for grownups, too. It 

w«h the Xmas spirit. 

There were no commercials' but it 
was made plain that the telecast was 
coming from Gimbel's and that 
parents could fulfill most of the 
desires ol their kids right at the 
store. shal. 



plugs, manufacturers are also con 
sidering sponsorship on a partici- 
pation basis by local dealers. Ford 
has led the way in this form of ad- 
vertising also, making its plugs in 
most instances between the car itself 
and the service oifered 5^ dealers. 
Already interested enough in such a 
deal to start negotiatlotte With vari- 
ous of the N. y, broadcasters are 
both Packard and General Motors. 

Most manufacturers had a taste of 
video advertising last year via a 
film especially produced for .the 
Automobile Manufacturers' Assn. by 
ABC tele. Film obtained «ood re- 
sults when ah:ed over several tele 
outlets, paying off in both viewer 
interest and the extra ballyhoo 
usually available because of tele's 
novelty status with most of the 
press and the public. 




WciiincBday* Decemlier S, 1947 



85 



HO\VM,\N KOOM 

HELD OVER 

To Deeembvr 20lh 

"Lamiy Ro»s, loimtlin* Idol of 1h* oir w(iv*». li t1i« Vow 
mva Hweiii . . . w* a««4 aiittrfaiiMrs of bis tollbsr . . . h* Ifet hi» 
MoftfC^Oy f«rcttful ««d •n^aging MiMMliftt Indict «f<t(f« and 
fold ^."---ROBERT W. DANA. Wdft^TflwtiriNii. 

*Top» In Tew« . . . UwMy R«u' Ont-Uah Show «t tk* 9i!t. 
mM«.^-4»ORpT|fy KlLGALLSN. J«Hnwi.A««rtcaR. 

"imMy iMi, fa haftar voica and handsemar ibdb Mar.".- 
LOUIiLA >AIS0NS. 

"RaM* *«le» ralaiNt M« ilaxibllily «ad swaatnaM that 
gjjgwl JjljjMMt af Mia aufitaadfttt ♦•»«»••» •* r«*o."— 

■Nl4»i id*» «#«w4i «t tba VllfmolM «r»a't 4«|m, t» fDraat 
L «»«^y' »«• •^•^ 

^\^tzzs,r'''*' ^""-^ 

~H* MMti^ not Miy «• ift* «ir. but 111 twaait alabt 

(«« Hoftyw«Hli««rl.'*^CN •XQtlllmr Ydril »<iUy M«Wi» 
^ "nPha wHlNHica litapiy waatdaf M 



i 




- sWisI 



CONCERTS 
1946-1947 

Rochester, New York Indianapolis, Indiana 

Hollywood Bowl, 
Cincinnati, Ohio Hoiiy«ood, caiifo.n,a 

Detroit, Michigan Pho^^enix, Arizona 

Memphis, Tennessee ^"'^s""' '^^^^^"^ 

.,, - Bimidji, Minnesota 

Amanilo, Texas 

Everglades Club, 

Omaha, Nebraska 



Cincinnati, Ohio 
Detroit, Michigan 
Memphis, Tennessee 
Amariilo, Texas 
Omaha, Nebraska 



0^ 




si** 



ENGAGEMENTS FOR EARLY '48 

PARK PLAZA HOTEL-ST. LOUIS 
FEBRUARY 13 

LAST FRONTIER-LAS VEGAS 
MARCH 12 



MAJESTIC RECOII» ftiiiaifs 

WMtfWNKXW SONG 

UNDEKNEATH THfi CIQCK 
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RADIO 



Wedneadajr, Deceiiil»er 3, 1947 



NARBA Qoses l%op in Cnba; BIm^ 
Mom to Upset Existing Allocations 



WashtngtoDf Deoi 2. 
^he englneerinj); conference laying 
ihe groundwork for a new North 
American Regional Broadcasting 
A$sn. treaty prepared to close shop 
In Havana this week, having suc- 
cessfully squelched several moves to 
upset present radio allocations in 
any of the countries signatory to 
NARBA, 

Lai^t week's '^essioirwas punctuated 
tjy the refusal of the Cuban and U. k 
delegates to permit discussion of a 
Mexican proposal which would re- 
quire shifting of all U. S. stations on 
the 9801CC and 630kc channels to the 
1,220 and l,5701cc bands. The Mexi- 
canos want the lower channels for 
use aa tilefar-channels south of the 
btnrder' to' give them wider cover- 
age outside 'the big cities,c,-There are 
eight U. S. outlets, including WMAL, 
Washington, on the 630kc slot and 
seven operating on SSOkc (including 
KMBC, Kansas City, Mo.; WRC; 
Washington, KFWB, lios Angelesi, 
etc.). .,. . ■ 

Both Cuba and Mexico indicated 
oppcisiiion to a present treaty pro- 
vision preventing location < of any 
stations within 650 miles of the- bor- 
der when that particular channel is 
in use by a neighboring country. 

Xhc Mexicans wanted some of 
their clear channels protected irom 
Interference all the way to the Cana- 
ditin border "Ao permit bmdcastfng 
to Mejdcan. subjects 'v^thin the 
U.S." 



WH Donates Recorder 
To U.o(P, for Teaching Aid 

Philadelphia, Dec. 2. 
A wire recorder ha^ been' pre- 
sented to the Univ. of Pennsylvania 
by WFIL to facilitate the use ot 
radio programs in classroom instruC' 
^ion. Presentation on behalf of 
WPIL was made by Walter H. An- 
nenberg, publisher of the Inquirer, 
to" Dr. Reese D. James, director of 
journalism courses at the university. 

Dr: James said he planned to 
record programs- oH the' air with the 
device, and then play them back for 
further; study by, the students. The 
recorder is thfe most recent model of 
the eilgineering products division of 
RCA. 



I Radio Reviews I 

was so-so. Garfield's thought se- 
quence (in a sound chamber) 
weren't any too intelligible. Marion s 
script was crisp and professional. 

Perhaps one time is as - good as 
another to air such a show— no one 
likes to contemplate the possibilities 
of cancer striking himself or his 
loved ones— but this unhappy epi- 
sode (which left the father dying 
despite NCP help) was particularly 
hard to stay with after a pleasant 
Thanksgiving rfepast. 



Doan. 



Balto/s 6th Station 

. Baltimore, Dec, 2. 

A. sixth AM-statlo'b -was added to 
the local radio frcrnt With the open- 
ing Qf WSIt) -here tiUs week. Operat- 
ing in nearby suburb. Essex, on a 
daytime schedule on. 1S7Q kilocycles 
at l,dOO watts, the new' layout is 
headed up by Sidney H. Tlnley, Jr., 
local insurance and real estate oper- 
ator with A. C. Goldbach, formerly 
of WCBM here, acting , as general 
manager and 'chief engineer. 

Raymond Kay is program director 
«4d Annaiid Ti^l, commercial man- 
ager. 



2-D9y N.Y. Origination 
For 'Morning Mutinee* 

' Cincinnati, Dec. 2. 
"Morning Matinee,"' full -hour 
morning program starring Ruth 
Lyons and-Frazier Thomas,, originat- 
ing at Cincy's WLW and also aired' 
over WINS, N. Y., 8:30 a.m., will go 
to N. Y, for ,two days ' origination 
Friday and Saturday (5-8) at WINS. 

Each year Mfss I^yons devotes sev- 
eral days to collecting funds for hos- 
pitals, in cooperation with the United 
Hospital Fund drive, and N. Y. pro- 
ceeds will go to the Hospital for 
Special Surgery. Show is sponsored 
by Rem, Woodbury Soap, Hi-mao 
Candy and Robin Hood Flour. 




'Big Sister' 

Si Continued from pace 25 ss 

age soap opera fan is a lower mid- 
dle class housewife and that the so- 
cial themes of "Big Sister" conform 
with ideas of people in this cate- 
gory. The ^tudy- indicates that 
through use ol other st^ of Social 
themes, serials could peiietrlite to the 
Upper middle class, comprising 15% 
of the population. In other words, 
there's room for Park Avenue operas, 
advertising luxury items. - 
- Some portions of the report mere- 
ly verily what agencymen and {tro^ 
grammers have suspected' all along. 
It was found,*for ^xam.ple, that "so- 
cial signiBbance ..and improvement" 
must be. secondary; that listeners 
identify., personal problems with, 
those of soap opera characters; that 
realistic treatment of basic sociologi- 
cal and psychological themes must 
be avoided; and that nien must be 
portrayed as dei^ndent-on-the wis- 
dom of the wife and mother. 

Study was directed by two U. of 
Chicago professors, W. Lloyd War- 
ner, sociologist, and William K, Hen- 
ry, psychologist, retained as consult- 
ants .by Social Research. Contract 
with CBS stipulated that the network 
was to have no hand in, directing the 
survey and that the results would be 
published'^ whether good or bad. 
. On the basis of the study Social 
Research claims that it can now doc- 
tor ailing soapers and pre-test the 
acceptability of new ones. 



SITNDAY AT 4:30 

With Boston Symphony^ Ar^liur 
Fiedler, conductor . 

Producer: Jack Wright 

30 MIns.; Sun, 4:30 p^m. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK 

WB2, Boston; WBZA, Spfd. 
(B. B. D. & O.) 
Boston's top-ranking live show 

this one's in its fourth year and 

geiining .in prestige and Audience 

every season. 
Format is straight music of the 

light classical variety played by the 
famed Boston Pops orchestra under 
JVrthur Fiedler, though it's never 

billed as the Pops orchestra due to 
contractual agreement- with Sym- 
phony Hall.' Actually, the summer 
Ppps concerts use about a dozen 
'more men, but this radio ensemble 
has all the power and liveliness of 
the bigger group, and Fiedler's name, 
long one' or the most potent in this 
field, hypos the interest. ■ 

Up until this season "Sunday -at 
4:30" has been a production using 
the Opera House with a>live audi- 
ence of 3,000, but now it's in WBZ's 
studio A . sans audience. Reason for 
change, mainly, is that same audi- 
ence turned up . each . week, but 
there's a considerable scaling ' in. 
former $155,000 budget, too. New 
note .this, year is the Youth Oppor- 
tunity auditions, which brought in 
about 500 applications for soloists 
with the orchestra. Judges picked 14 
to appear on the SO^week season, 
and those, who! ve . appeared so far' 
demonstrated plenty of big time 
taleut in arias, concerto movements, 
etc. 

Fiedler, with a genius for pro- 
gramming,, fills the 30-minute spot 
with sock' standards plus novelties, 
revivals and the Strauss waltzes he's 
famous for, and the studio set-up 
sounds fine. Commercials ' are held 
to a minimum and are institutional 
in tone, and there's a tWo-minute 
description of various bdnk activi- 
ties in, the middle. 

Streeter StuartT WBZ ace an- 
nouncer,, handles the commercial 
chore as well as the musical com- 
mentary. . As the ' top ' local .airer, 
this: bank 'job rates with the; top 
national musical slots, 'and gets a 
big Hooper in the area. A ^Hckly 
produced job. :: • Elie. 



Pat Ballard's "Bnsher 
Insurance Vs. Petrillo 

Pat Ballard, who starts a new 
WOR-Mutual show, "The Song Wyit- 
ing Machine" Dec. 6 (0:30 p.m.), has 
non-music package ready in case the 
Petrillo musician ban jerks his pro- 
gram. New show is tagged "A Bushel 
of Fun" and entails art audience* 
participation game called "Vice Ver- 
sa," also invented by Ballard. 

Cast will include Robert Denton 
(NBC announcer-m.c), Alan Holt 
Trio (vocal; no instruments), and a 
comedian guest star. Lew Lehr 
("Stop Me if You've Heard This 
One"), is pencilled In.fOr first guest- 
shot. Ballard says the show gives 
away "bushels of prizes" yet is a 
low-J)udget package in line with the 
new economy wave in radio-packag- 
ing. Pat Ballard Music Corp, Is titu- 
lar owner and producer of the show, 
with Gale, Inc., to do the huck- 
stering.. 





APPOINTMENT WITH JOANNE 

TATLOB 
With Helen Tiat, Kay Arnold 
Producer: Gene Dennis * 
Director; Eddie Edwards ' 
Writer: Sylvia Walinow 
15 Mins>: Mob. thru Sat., 9 m.m. 
TAITLOR DEPARTMENT STORE 
KMBC, Kansas City 

(Potts, Caulfeifu & Holden)' 
Joanne Taylor has an established, 
rep as radio saleslady for. the John 
Taylor store in Kaiiisas City.. Thei 
program oriiflnated' With Caroline 
Ellis as Joanne 'over 14 y«arjs ago; 
and the show has been on at the 
same time, on the same station, t6x 
the same sponsor ever since, with a 
number of changes in the lead. Rei 
cently the Taylor store was bought 
up by R. H. Macy, and a change was 
called for in the radio tjuarter hour, 
Neretofore the show has been an 
attempt to bring the listener in for 
a look across the desk of Miss' Tay- 
lor as a fashion buyer for the store,. 
The new format, began several weeks 
ago, apparently aims at broadening 
this scope, leaving out details of 
store operation, ■ and concentrating 
on the fashion angle and local news 
of interest to women. ^ 
. Show opens with comments on 
news items and follows with an- 
nouncements of club news. This 
takes less than five minutes, and 
balance of the show is devoted to 
fashions and household g o o d s for 
sale in the Taylor store, making the 
show over 50% commercial. Cur- 
rently the show is using a daily 
prize. letter comeon, with the writer 
of the winning letter— asking Miss 
Taylor a question of interest to wom- 
en—getting a surprise gift from the. 
store stocks. 

Current edition of the show is far 
behind its predecessors, with notice- 
able gaps in both production and 
performance. A lot of dough, by lo- 
cal standards, is -toeing spent to 
create a radio show with the equiv- 
alent appeal of a Charm or Vogue 
article, and the result is too glossy. 
Miss Tait in the name role is stiff 
and formal, and the scripting needs 
some dpwn-to-earth lacing together. 
As it stands the show is aloof and up- 
stage and beyond the outlook of the 
avmge Kansas City houseiwife. 

TJiere's a deal of wotk to be done 
with this show. Quint 



Hieisen 

Continued from page 21 ' —^^ 

rankings "without an undue amount 
of bickering . . . '' 

The ptcss has been needling Niel- 
sen for months to release rankings 
similar to Hooper's Top IS, but his 
answer, as of last year, was that 
NRI's -attorneys had. counselled the 
firm against it on the grounds that 
Nielsen might lay itself open to law-r 
suit for poSbibly adversely afCecting 
the sponsorship of certain programs. 
When it was pointed out that Hooper 
seemed to' get in no trouble doing 
so, Nielsen wryly replied that his 
firm "had more to lose" by such an 
action. 

Nielsen only hinted at this in yes' 
terday's announcement, saying "Our 
total investment in the development 
of NRI service is now approaching 
the $5,000,000 mark, and with our 
current NRI operations still '.a long 
way. from- a break-even basis, we 
have an understandable reluctance 
to give away a part of that which 
we have to sell!" He added, further- 
more, that he wasn't anxious to "ag' 
gravate the .chronic radio industry 
ailment of 'RATINGITIS'." 

But, he added, with NRI withhold- 
ing its data, "the entire industry has 
available to it only a form of rating 
which is inaccurate in concept and 
inadequate in coverage," a situation 
which Nielsen agreed was intoler- 
able. 

At the same time, he was ready to 
admit— in fact, to stress— that ratings 
■ aren't everything; One needs the 
"far more comprehensive. 'Analysis' 
data which comprise the bulk of the 
NRI research, operation" to deter- 
mine how to iiCnprove a program, 
either audience-wise or sales-wise, 
Nielsen said. 

Four types of Top' 20 ranking, day 
and night,, were released by the re. 
searcher. They were "Total Audi- 
ence," "Average Audience," "Cumu- 
lative Audience" (covering a four- 
week period), and "NRI Homes Per 
DoMar," Fourth named tabulation 
was easily the most potent eye- 
catcher, although the wide discrep 
ancies iri the Top 20 by Total Audi- 
ence as compared with Hooper's list 
caused raised eyebrows. / 

Interesting to note was the> fact 
that "in the inteiiest of fair play," 
Nielsen confined his evening listings 
to half-hour, once-weekly Show* 
(i. e., "Theatre Guild" was not 
eligible) and 'daytime shows to 15- 
minute strips. 

Tpp 20 listings released by Nielsen 
have the same belatedness charac- 
teristic of the hitherto fully confi- 
dential NRI-ireports. Rankings re- 
leased yesterday were for the sec- 
ond haU of October. 



Fadiman's Educ'l Shows 

Clifton Fadiman has recorded two 
half -hour programs for a' special 
educational series for the Great 
Books Foundation of the Unl\^. of 
Chicago. The shows, dramatizations- 
on the career of the Athenian his- 
torian, Thucydides, are for distribu- 
tion to stations throughout the Bnid- 
west, to be performed gratis. 

The "Information, Please" m.c. did 
the shows through his friendship 
with Robert M, Hutohins, Chancellor 
of the Univ, of Chicago. 

WashiAKton- Local watter WWDC 
has made a tie in with Washington's 
13 police stations *o aid the radio 
outlet's "Good Neighbor Christmas 
Party" for the Home for Aged and 
Infirm here. AH the precincts will 
serve as collection posts for gifts for 
the 450 aged men and women of the 
institution. WWDC. will periodlcaUy 
collect the presents and deliyei' th^ ^ 
The radio station will also operate a 
collection booth of its own at Con- 
necticut Ave, and K fits,, N, W* ' 



Wm SLEUTH' AS LIVE 
SHOW FOR WEEWAHERS 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 

Attempt to Interest weewatters in 
staging live drarfiatic shows wm be- 
gin In December when Jack Straus- 
berg Productions, Chicago, markets 
a new "Super Sleuth" series. Scripts 
for the program will be leased to 
stations for production by home- 
town talent, idea' being that local 
thespians will provide a welcome 
change from the usual disk and 
transcribed fare. 

Scripts can for * maximum of 
three actors. But they also can be 
produced as a one-man show. Pro. 
motion Includes comic book tleins, 
comic strips, premiums and possibly 
film shorts. Art work will be 
handled by Strausberg, who has il- 
lustrated the Bob Hope books arid 
several isytidicated features. 

Firm already fs marketing "Now 
I'll Tell One,!' one-man script series 
sponsored on southern stations by 
Lane-Rexall drugs through the 
Chase agency, Atlanta, 



Detroit — Goodwin Station, Inc. 
(Detroit's 5O.O0O-watt WJR) is pay- 
ing a lOc year-end dividend in addi- 
tion to its regular 25c. for the quar- 
terly dividend. President G. A. 
Richards announced, bringing the 
year's earnings to $1.10 on 518,000 
Shares ot stock. This rei^ular and ex- 
tra dividend will be payable Dec. 15, 



AMAZINO! 
NEW! 
PORTABU 



PWUG 

MMWCSS 
SVSTEM 

NatMiu te 
nuclii... 
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JMt Pick m 
thelMMawl 




NO WIRES TO CONNECT 



tmittlnlly •v«iy nMd with 
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•MMIMI IHiMIc AMrast lyiMm. Ix- 
••ilant ••unrf •m|>llflc«tleii. Unit 
waighf anly ia pmm**. Can lis uiad 
anywhar*— w«IMnt,(t«Hilliifl,ridliifl. 
11w (Mrarie CMaiMNW, NM Nli. fCN.. ««. 




Th* Slltnntc Co. . 

t»oIi.t Building, Pgh,, P.., D*pt N 

I'm intornUd in lh» Siltroiiie PotdU*, ■•tttiy 

9pmM PaUic Addr«ii'Sy<t»m. 
□ Send m..; PA.«'t at *75.I0 *«. 

«7«, 10 M. WMl of RmMm (contilM* 

inllh bttt*riM). 

OCnh DChtck aCO.». 
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Nini» ..;.M.......J I............. I ,i,„,..„, ,„,„„, 

Addmt 

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Vedna^tey, Pecemlwir .1^, 1947 



57; 



Schaefer Beer's S5G 
Splurge for 'Open House' 

gctaaefer Beer has bought thci 
. irajgjicrlbid hdU-hour musical show, 
"Hollywood Open House," ipr New 
York, KoA show will bow on WNBC, 
N, Y., tomoWOw (Thuris,) in the, 7:30- 
fl p.m. slot. Show was bought from 
the Kermit-Baymohd Co. through 
BBD&O on a B2-week basis, with 
cost estimated at $85,000 for the 
year. 

Show, which uses top Coast names 
In a variety program, has been pack- 
aged for about three years, and is 
heard on 160 stations throughout the 
ir.S. This is its first airing in N. Y. 

K-M Co., 'intidentally, has set up 
the Bay Bloch Enterprises as its ex- 
clusive sales distribs. Separate sales 
setup is headed ' by Bay Bloch as 
prez and Walter Keane as veepee. 



IkeVBro. in Radio 

Washington, Dec. 2, 
Earl D. Eisenhower, brother ot 
General "Ike," is a 20% stockholder 
in the Pottery Broadcasting Co., 
which last weeli won an FCC oltay 
for a new daytime kilowatt station 
In East Liverpool, ©i 

Eisenhower, an otticial in the West 
Pemi Power Co., ako owns a bloclt 
of station WESA, in his hometown 
of Charleroi, Pa. 



fetrillo 

Continiwd from, yaie H i 



Step an untimely crackdown from 
the NI^HB an«lat the same time offer 
«n ostensibly' ceneiUatoiy gesture 
toward ^« w;el#. iWbat he will ask 
bt th« nets -;iii .return thus far is 
tmybOd:^'$ :guess. ' Web execs and 
union; terpper!gt«i!c expected, however, 
to ^ down', to brass tacks on the 
subjects ot'wage scales, AM-PM d»r 
plicatibn,. live .music for television, 
etc., wUcn .tUey* hiiddle in Chi next 
week;' ■ << ^ 

Co^p! music- ban was lifted follow- 
ing a talk between .Pfitrillo and ABC 
prexy-r Jkfark 'W*ods ' in which' the 
ATtHe, chle^ iiXaUt agreed "to give 
the networks. a. chance'* to support 
their afgulitents that thisT action 
would stet>: up network employment 
of musicians. . . 

' Besults f^rere immediate^ ABC ah- 
neunce'd 4(n isrch crt' 18 to -20 pieces 
ivould bjB Installed ea the.Abbott.lt 
Costello stanza, rej^lacinii a l^s Bax- 
.ter chorus nf 10 voices. CBS took 
steps to drop the Choristei^ in favor 
of an'or'cb'oii the 'Joiin\ Davis show. 
Mutijal, usin^ a HS-voiee group on 
*TWeet Me At'Parky's," said a house 
orch conducted by Harry Zinmter- 
man probably would be substituted. 
'tSolenpaul hired a pianist for "Info" 
' for the first time since .the pregram 
"went co-op. Live music bridges 
were ordered for a number Of shows 
on the three Webs, 
; Move removes what the webs have 
contended was a. serious handicap 
to bifttme co-o« prAgramminx. 



Radio Hurdles SHde 

ftisx Continued from page 1 ssas 

gramming pacted during the closing 
quarter period of the year. 

Both at NBC and CBS, the nine- 
month statements reveal a decline 
of 2.3% in time sales over the same 
period last year, with Columbia 
racking up an approximate $44,500,- 
000 at the three-quarter mark; and 
NBC registering an approximate 
$48,300,000 for the January-through* 
September period. But ■ Columbia 
says the year-end figure will be 
closer to a 1% loss, and indications 
are that at NBC it will be almost 
evert-steven with last year's billings. 

ABC grabbed itself a record nine- 
months billings of about $31,000,000, 
representing a 2.5% increase over 
last year, but checkout of Lucky 
Strike (Jack Paar) after 13 weeks 
and Eversharp's cancellation of 
Henry Morgan will reduce the in- 
crease by the end of the year. 
Nevertheless, ABC is confident that 
Its emergence into -the bigtime bill- 
ings' cla.ss now has a permanence 
that bodes well for the web's future. 

No small factor in cueing the note 
of optimism around the networks 
has been the mounting list of 52- 
.Week renewals over the past two 
weeks upon termination of the sea- 
son's initial 13-week cycle. .There 
were fears that a number of bank- 
rollers weren't coming back, but 
now that the webs have hurdled the 
first 13-week hump — which many 
looked upon as the. crucial cycler- 
tfaey're confident of the future. 

With' the exception of the Paar, 
Morgan cancellations on ABC, it's 
been found, too, that for each exit 
there's a new entrant standing by, 
with Ford f dr example, ready to 
move in when Standard iBrands 
lend-leases Fred Allen; Philip Mor- 
ris taking over the Sunday night 
NBC period being vacated by Adam 
Hats, etc. 



Supreme Court Turns Down 
Case NAB Intervened In 

The U. S. Supreme Court refused 
fo~ a second time last we^ to re- 
view a decision of the Circuit Court 
of Appeals for the first .circuit de- 

nying the Coca-Cola Co. an injunc- 
tion to keep Snow Crest Beverages, 
a Massachusetts soft-drink company', 
from using the brand name "Polar 
Cola." 

The National Assn. of Broadcast- 
ers had .intervened as friend of the 
court to ask the Supreme Court to 
review the mltng'on the ground that 
the confusion caused by the 'similar 
sounding trade names her* Involves 
an important principle for' radio sd 
vertisers. 



Cincinnati -•• 'Faul Dixon, disk 
Jockey, added WGPG's three man-on 
thc-strcet shows to "hisr' chores this 
week. Paul Hodges, the station's vet 
curbstone and depot gabber, has dC' 
parted for Cleveland: to. 'become the 
handy mlJieJC -for WEWS, ,,new tele 
vision., itat^. and Scrij^s-Howard 
alliliatfe, which bows :Chii«tmas: Day 
as- Oh,ib'« firat cdmmcrcial video. 



Cobb Inat WAAB 

Worcester, Dec. 2. 
.Richard A. Cobb has assumed the 
managership of WAAB, jilutual and 
Yankee outlet in ,W«Fce8tar. Cobb 
comes to, WAAB from Bestoh's 
WNAC, key station et tite .Yankee 
web. Since 1944, he wasih^rtime pro 
-ductlon supervisor of tiic Beston sta' 
tion. 

Cobb has been a radio instructor 
at Boston University for the past 
couple of years. He lueceeds H. Wil- 
liam Koster, whol goes to Providence 
to be in pharge of the Providence 
Journal and Bulletin's FM station, 
WPJB. 



^psAf^ by most . . . 

P^ie>^BVI^ed by most 
fi> the BUYING Ark-LaJex 




744 



Write for Av«il«bilille« 



KWKH 

SB ana watts 



i 



Another GrincI Show 

First performance on radio of 
Haydn's Hurdy-Gurdy Concerto 
will be heard tomorrow (Thurs.) 
on CBS' "Gateway to Music," 
with the CBS Symphony con- 
ducted by Alfredo Antonini. A 
genuine hurdy-gurdy , will be 
played by . Harold Weinberg, 
first desk man of the second 
violins. 

Instrument, a copy of a 17th 
century model, is owned by Ed- 
win A. Fleischer of Philadelphia, 
who had .it specially built to .play 
this work. Whether the hurdy- 
gurdy grinder can keep in tune 
with, the orchestra is a mpot 
question, but critical minds — 
and ears — are open. 



CIRCLING THE KILOCYCLES 



Pittsburgh — Bill Kelley, who 
joined WCAE 10 years ago as a mail 
clerk, has just been appointed mer- 
chandising manager of the station- 
Recently he's been' serving as pub* 
licity director and has also found 
time since getting out of the service 
to earn a degree at Pitt, Mildred 
Sheridan, WEDO's women's com- 
mentator, has .landed a cosmetics 
sponsor for her daily "Party Line" 
program over the McKeesport outlet. 
Ernie Neff has won the announcer's 
berth on . .Guy> Lombardo's new 
transcribed .radio show, which wiU 



begin on WCAE Dec. 7 under spon- 
sorship of Chevrolet Dealers of Al'ie- 
gheny County. • 



Rochester, N. Y.r>-Manager Lester 
PoUock, Loew's, launched a "talent 
quest" in tieup with WVET and the 
Chateau niglit club. Three young 
men and three young women will be 
selected for the finals on Loew's 
stage Dec. 22, wlien the audience 
will pick two winners. Reward will 
be a -week's engagement at the 
Chateau. 



1 



Now, for the first time, one Kansas City broad- 
caster covers the entire Kansas City Trade Area 




Yeu have many dmes wished one 
Kansas Qty breadiaster could futnirii 
you complete coverage of XLansas City'^ 
vast primary trade area. Your wish has 
cometrue!'' .'"''": 

We at KMBC proudly announce 
that on December 7th KFRM — our 
9,000 watt 'IFicst on Your Dial" (550 
KC) service for rural Kansas— officially 
goes on the air. 

Note from the map how the KMBC- 
KFRM half millivolt contours envelop 
western Missouri and practically all of 
Kansas. This coverage was planned 
after a study by Dr. W- D. Bryant, Di- 
reaor of the Department of Research 
and Information of Kansas .City: This 
study (a copy will be mailed you' on 
requcist) proved that Kansas City's Pri- 
mary Trade Territory is the area shown 
in the accompanying map. 



The KMBOKFRM team isavailable 
to sponsors for early morning and nooo 
farm service programs^ also at certain 
other titties,, .KFRM , alone la.^vailable 
during its remaining hours on the air 
—at present daytime only. 

KFRM will be pro^jtammed from 
KMBC studios, froM the KMBC Serv- ' 
ice Farms, and from the Kansas City 
Livestock ExCbajnge ,Buijkling and other 
KMBC program sources, "NuiF said!" 

Y«s, we chalk' it up, as another 
KMBC "First."— First to c<^er a great 
trade: territory by placing a transmit- 
ting sntion (it's, in central' Kansas) a 
great distance from the trade center 
and cash in on this economical concen- 
trated trade areia coverage.' Ask Free, 
&; Peters. 




FREE & PETERS, INC. 



KFRM* THE KANSAS FARM STAfi O hi f>F T K E HEART OF THE 
NATION • PROGRAMMED BY KMBC FROM KANSAS ^C/ITY 



38 



OKCHEiSTRAS-IHraJSIC 



WedneiEMlAyf December 3, 1947 




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89 





SILENr PARTNERS 



Boston Bask GrankaM Creift 
To Ibca Records fw 'E^ 



Decca Records ai-ranged for ftn-f-^ 
unprecedented deal last week with 
the First National Bank of Boston 
im a ¥4,000,000 credit to be utilized 
at any time over a six-year period. 
Money, according to Decca prez 
Jack K'app, will .be used to provide 
additional funds for expansion of 
Decca Jln4. subsidiaries. When the 
deal was made, .between' Serge 
Semenenko, veepee of the bank, 
and MiHon Backmil, exec veepee of 
Decca, $2,000,000 was arranged to be 
used immediately. Goto is the only 
loan in which Decca is involved, 
incidentally, and th« • company is 
paying interest at the rate of yz% 
on the amount not being used at 
any- giveh time and 3% on the 
amount withdrawn against the credit. 

New£ of the deal excited consider- 
able comment to the few who knew 
about it late last week. Its com- 
pletion was looked upon as a con^ 
siderable compliment to Decca, 
especially' in view of the forthcoming 
' recording ban the American Federa- 
tion oi Musicians is vlamping on the 
disk industry as of Jan, 1. Too, there 
has been considerable woncler over 
the use to which the money would 
be put. Statement that it '"ill be 
used for "expansion and develop- 
ment" of Decca's overall interests i.s 
a broad one, and it's being wondered 
-what sort of expansion could pos- 
sibly be in the minds of Decca execs, 
. eqp«ci«il]y In view of the , AFM's 
lHat.Kapp wouldn't elabarai;e on ihe 
''idQ^ansioipt.'' 



Eight New Berlin TuneS 
For 'Easter Pai^de' Film 

HoUywoodj Dec. 2. 
Irving Berlin has cleffed eight new 
numbers lor the forthcoming Metro 
tuneftlm, "Easter Parade," which 
will include eight Berlin standards. 
New numbers are "It Only Happens 
When I Dance With You," "Mr. 
Monotony," "Better Luck Next 
Time," -Steppin' Out " With My 
Baby," "A Couple of Swells," "Drum 
Crazy," "A Fella With an Umbrella" 
and "Happy Easter." 

Judy Garland will do three num- 
bers, cottar Fred Astaire will terp 
to a pair. Miss Garland and Astaire' 
team for two and -Astaire and Ann 
Miller handle: the. remaining new 
one.' 



HIT PLmTEBS 




Raps % Parade' 
FotOmIoo^ 
'Balteniia' Hit 



AKMtoGet4(iG 
h ASCAP {m 

Final decree signed last week by 
Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe in 
Mew York settled a suit brgu^t by 
the Alien Property Cui^ian 
against the American Society of 
Composers, Authors and Publishers 
to recover $46,839 claimed due 
AKM, Austrian performing rights 
society. Money had been held in 
escrow by Al^pAP pending pay- 
ment of royalty coin due it by 
AKM for use of A.SCAP music in 
Austria. 

■ Under terms of the decree, 
ASCAP will deliver the coin it 
holds to the U. S. government, but 
iti so doing the society retains the 
ri^tt to seek return of the amount 
by jQUing suit for recovery. Plain- 
tiffin the action was* Attorney Gen- 
eral Xom C. Clark who represented 
the government as successor to the 
Alien Property Custodian. 

ASCAP's claim to the money -in- 
volved arises from a reciprocal 
agreement inked with AKM in 1933 
whereby the Austrian society col- 
lected ASCAP's royalties in Aus- 
tria and vice versa. Society con* 
tended that AKM owes it niore-than 
the |«8,000. V 

Final decree, as signed b^ Judge 
Coxe, appUed only to AKM's royalty 
.coin. Government suits to recover 
royalty money due French and 
Grerman performing rights societies 
under the alien act are still out- 
standing. Total amount sued for 
exceeds $392,000. Also a claimant 
lor the AKM money was Henry M. 
Propper, appointed receiver for 
AKM in 1941 by the N. Y. supreme 
court. A district court decision de- 
nied Propper .the right to the coin, 
on the jreceiver's motion some time 
ago, with the tS. S. circuit court of 
appeals dismissing his appeal from 
the lower court's denial. 



Though settlement of the Warner 
Bros, music combine's suit vs. the 
Lucky Strike "Hit Parade" called for 
development and use of a supposedly 
fool-proof system of selecting candi- 
dates for the Saturday evening net- 
work program, squawks continue 
and naw suits are threatened. At the 
moment, Redd Evans, owner of Jef- 
ferson and Valiant Music companies, 
and publisher of the hit "Ballerina," 
is objecting strongly to the so-called 
new system and is talking with at- 
torneys over a possible action against 
the program. 

"Ballerina" is at the moment 
among the first five sheet bestsellers 
in the country, is high on all per- 
formance and disk jockey request 
lists and is unquestionably rated 
among the first five songs of the 
country by jobbers and Evans' rival 
publishers. I^et, he cites that his song 
has not been included on the "Hit 
Parade" when it . should h a v e 
achieved such a position several 
weeks ^o. Evans believes "Hit Pa- 
rade" mention helps a song, while 
many other-publishers do not agree 
with this theory. 

New formula devised to spotlight 
the top tunes of the country for "Hit 
Parade" attention Is undisclosed. It 
was developed by WB muiic group 
head Herman. Starr, ifs said, and 
figured largely in the settlement of 
his action against the program. For-^ 
mula is supposed to take in record 
sales, sheet sales, etc., with the long- 
criticized "requests to bandleaders" 
angle discarded. 

Another company squawking a bit 
about the current "Hit Pairade" list 
is Shapiro-Bernstein, whose song, 
"Too-Fat Polka,", is high on all lists 
excepting radio performances and 
has not achieved "Hit Parade" atten- 
tion. 



Francis Craig's disking of "Near 
You," which exploded from a re- 
gional click in the Nashville area 
into a hot disk and sheet sales hit, 
is now one of the biggest selling 
recordings in recent years. But no- 
body seems to know for sure how 
big. There are too many fingers 
reaching into the pie, Disk has al- 
ready surpassed 1,000,000 copies, ac» 
cording to Jim Bullet, owner of the 
previously 'obscurie label which 
started the tune. But even Bullet is 
not absolutely certain o£ the correct 
amount. He's got "partners." ■ 

One of the risks run by the own- 
ers of minor labels which launch 
hits such as "Near You," "Peg o* My 
Heart," which the VitacoiiStic label 
ran into a big click earlier this year, 
and the current "How Soon," on a 
Tower record by Jack Owens, is the 
bootlegging of pressings. None of the 
firms Involved has sufficient facili- 
ties of its own to handle the kind of 
production needed in order to take 
advantage of - the sales demand for 
their' product. They must farm .pro- 
duction out, which means in many 
cases supplying- a dozen or more in- 
dependent pressing plants with mas- 
ters of the tunes from which to make 
pressings. Nobody's making : any 
charges, but experienced recording 
men figure that for every 100 press- 
ings of such a hit pressed by some 
of these Y^ildcat factories a fair num- 
ber are turnied out that do not get 
into shipments ealled for by "the 



ASCAP Beard Hdkb Imt (rf Series 
Of Meetii^s od T«levision Problems 



Pitt Maestro and Mrs. Hurt 
In Erie, Pa., Auto Cracknp 

Pittsburgh, Dec. 2. 

Herman Middleman, maestro at 
Jackie Heller's Carousel, and ' his 
wife were both - critically injured . in 
an automobile accident last week 
near Erie, Pa., and are confined to 
the Westerville Memorial Hospital 
there. Mrs. Middleman was the most; 
seriously hurt of the two. 

Mishap occurred when anothei- 
car side-swiped the Middlemans 
while they . were en route home 
from Buffalo after attending the 
funeral of the bandleader's- sister. 
Transfusions were' necessary for 
Mrs. Middleman and' her brother, 
Sol Heller, another owner of the 
Carousel, rushed to Erie .to give 
them. 



^^^^^^^ 

Muac publishers sMid the varibus 
recording pompanies^ ^^dt ia; brief 
taste last week of "what can happeh 
dui'ing the period following the pass- 
ing of the Jan. 1 disking ban in the 
event that publishers' lielease dates 

RCA- Victor,' it seems, set off a 



into diverse channels. Sort of a five 
for-you one-for-me pressing idea 
with the "surplus" taking dai'k-alley 
avenues toe retail counters .and coin- 
machine use. 

Naturally, the publishers of the 
tune and the writers whistle for 
royalties on disks dispensed in such 
a manner. There's no. telling exactly 
how much royalty coin is lost by 
them in- this way. 



Chick Webb Memorial 
Opened, for Kids Of 
His Old Balto Nabe 

Baltimore, Dec. -2. - 
The Chick Webb Memorial Recre- 
ation Center, erected in memory of 
the former drummer bandleader, 
born here, was formally openedn 
Sunday (30) by Mayor Thos. D'Alo.s- 
sandro. and. : a host of . dignitaries. 
New building will provide quarters 
for the children of the neighborhood 
where Webb was born in poverty 
and from which he readied for star- 
dom a brand oX hide thumping that 
surpassed li major physical dis- 
abiiitv. 

A citizeas' committee headed by 
Dr. Ralph Young raised the neces- 
sary funds, and maintenance will be 
provided by mun cipal funds. Webb 
died in 19.^9. 



bomb by releasing versions of 
Shapiro-Bernstein's "Cousin Louolla" 
and Broadcast Music's "My Promise 
to You'* by ' Larry" Green's orchestra: 
As wcll.as BVC's "In a Litt'H Book 
Shop" and "Melancholy" and has 
scheduled Santly-Joy's "Pianissimo" 
and BMI's "Passing Fancy " 

Shapiro immediately countered 
Victor's move by restrictinR its song 
from the air, both live and recorded,, 
through the America.'. Society of 
Composers, Authors and Publishers. 
BMI of course, couldn't do the same. 

None of the songs in dispute is 
to be worked on by their re.spective 
publishers until' after the first of the 
year. As a matter of fact, none had:, 
been luUy recorded by other com- 
panies. Jumping the gun : by a . full, 
two mmtbs with Greenes versions of 
the first two tunes— Victor put Co- 
lumbia and Capitol diskeries in an 
uproar against the publishers and 
hung the latter on a limb because the 
songs may or may not receive the 
full benefit of recording plans that 
had beeb drawn by the objecting 
companies for the tunes. "Louella" 
had been already, cut by Columbia, 
but not by Cap. and BMI's "Promise" 
is still to be made by either com- 
pany. Both Columbia and Capitol as- 
serted that "Promise" was being 
withdrawn from consideration. 

Situation is cited by publishers as 
an example of the chaos that can be 
(Continued- on page 44) 



4- American Society -of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers conducted 
its ; first board meeting .yesterday 
(Tuesday) exclusively devoted to 
the television situation. Confab was 
a special meet called subsequent to 
the Society's regular monthly board 
meeting, which occurred last week. 
Notliing conclusive was developed as 
to the various ramifications of the 
use of copyrighted music by the last- ' 
growing medium. 

It is expected that ASCAP will 
conduct many more special board 
meets before anything concrete i»^ 
arrived at. There are so many an- 
gles to be mulled that none oi: the 
Society's executives ° or publisher- 
ofiicials has a clear idea of the final 
approach to the situation. 

Reason ,ASCAPeis suddenly de- 
cided to go to work on the tele prob- 
lem is; that time is running out on 
the temporary rights granted 
ASCAP by its publisher members to 
represent them in negotiations for 
television rights to their music. These 
agreements were for a -maximum of 
three years, two of which have near- 
ly expired without the' Society's 
nabobs having made a move to cleac 
up the many problem^. The- con-: 
tracts hold only unlii Dec. 31, 1948. 

While video broadcasters are al-" 
ready making use of ASCAP music, ' 
it is not being paid for; Society al- 
lowed the free use of its product on 
the theory that sufficient attention 
had not been, given the rate problem 
and that it might, if it moved too 
quickly, establish a temporary figure 
that would be too low and it perhaps. . 
would then have trouble revising 
the scale upward.. 

Tele situation, incidentally, is not , 
being discussed between the commit-, 
tees representing ASCAP and the 
netwoi'k independent radio interests 
relative \o the ^teostpn of the con-^ 
tract between tbe«« covering stajjid-* 
ard radio. I'hese- committees arc dull 
for another meet within the next tWQ 
weeks. . ■ ■- : 



CU's New Blue Note 

Chicago, < Dee. 2, 
Newest L6op spot to swing over 
into the jazz kick is the Blue Note, 
formerly Lipps' Lower Level. Bis- 
tro opened last week after remodel- 
ing, with Herbie Fields orchestra for 
four iveeks and Huggsy Spaflier ten- 
tatively set lot foUbwing 10-week 
stanza. 

Prank Holsfiend will manage the 
bistro and Associated Booking will 
b6 exclusive bookers; 



OUT SOON! 



The 



42nd Anniversary Number 



OF 




Forms elosing shortly Usael MverUsiiip rates ^evoil 

Special exploitation advantages 

Copy and space reservations may. be sent to any Variety office 



NEW YORK 19 

)54 W. 4M! St. 



HOLLYWOOD U 

4311 YuccsSt./ 



CHICAGO 1 
U6 H, MteWgaii Av«. 



LONDON, W. C. 2 
8 St. Martin's Pkw* 
TraMflM' Si|WMr* 



MedbersVpPay 
RiiteofASCiy'Bd. 



Publisher and writer members of 
the Ameritan Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers have okayed 
an increase in per meeting pay to 
members of the Society's board and 
als--) the inauguration of salaries for 
members of the appeals board, 
ASCAP, per its. by-laws, polled the 
membership on the two proposals 
and upon counting of the ballots 
Monday (1), it was found both 
measures had been given the green 
light by the complete ASGAP roster. 
Results were tlien okayed by the l|uU 
board in meeting yesterday (Tues- 
day ). ' , 

Coin changes jumps the pay o#ihe 
board members from $10 per meet- 
ing to $25 per man and incresises the 
cost to the Society for regular, 
monthly confabs and special meet- 
ings from $240 to $600 each. Appeals 
board members had previously not 
been paid at all. Henceforth they 
will get $25 per man. This board 
meets only when there are sufficient 
cases to call for its attention. There 
is no regular interval between meet- 
ings.. ' 



Col. Signs Newcomers 

Columbia Records last week 
signed two new artiists, Kay Thomp- 
son (with the WilliaiKis Bros,) and 
Jeannette TJavis. Signing of talent 
now by Columbia is unusual in 
view of the disking situation, which 
demands that all majors lay in 
."Stocks of masters by their entire 
roster before the Jan. 1 disk ban 
deadline. Only the minors had 
been grabbing o^ new talent sim- 
ply because mbst hadn't enough 
tiames to 'make enough masters to 
fend off Ific effects of the ban for 
any length of time. 

Thompson deal is due to the ex- 
citement her act has created in the 
trade as a result of her work at 
Ciro'.s, Hollywood, Miss- Davis Sings 
with Arthur Godfrey's , CBS radio 
show. 



40 



W^dneBday, December 3, 1947 



Jocks, Jukes and Disks 



By Ben Bodec 



N«)Ue Lutchcr is the most dynamic 
song stylist that has hit the business 
o£ record-making in years, It's' a lit- 
tle too early to tell whether it will 
be one of those prolonged rides, but 
she's already ; proved she isn't a 
janie-one-note. The girl has versa- 
tility, and the indications are that 
before she is through she wiir have 
shed quite an influence upon the 
trade -of pop v6calizing, even though 
they'll have a tough time 'coming 
• anywheres near the unique quirks 
of her interpretive personality. It 
was EUa Fitzgerald who last caused 
what might be termed a stylistic 
revolution among her chirping sis-^ 
terhfjod, and what Miss Fitzgerald 
did in the ballad field could happen 
with the rhythmic idionj if the 
niaker .of "He's a Real Gow Guy" 
and ''Hurry On Down" delivers a 



My Favorite Five 

(WPEH, Philadelphia) 

1. "Weil, Git ■ it" (Tommy 
Dorsey). ■ ■ 

2. "Louise" (FrankiS Carle), 

3. "Chattanooga Choo Choo" 
(Glenn Miller). 

4. "White Christmas" (Bing 
Crosby). 

= 5. "Too Fat toifca" (Arthur 
Godfrey). 



succession of clicks. Miss Lutcher 
certainly has got a pair of them in^ 
;her latest Capitol, releases^ ''Do You 
or. Don't You Love Me?" is due for 
as wide and intensive play as "Real 
' Guy." It's as alive as a bag of elec- 
tric eels, "Love Me" starts off -a 
'wbirlwiitcl and the progr.essive tem- 
po doesnt let up until the grooves 
run out. If Miss Lutchei? isn't beat- 
ing it. out in madcap time, with her 
tonsils there's ■ her piano or the 
guitarist to take up the slack. The 
flipover side, "The' Song Is Ended," 
is as distinctively in the Lutcher 
groove and makes artful contrast to 
its mate. 

Dick Haymes has in "That's All I 
W^t to Know" and "With Roses in 
Her Hai?" (Decca) anot^r surefire 
. slab of wax. The jbke operators will 
And it somewhat puzzling ih tag- 
ging the A side, so they might as 
well figure on slotting two copies 
of the' record in a machine. Both 
numbers are that sharp for collect- 
ing nickels. There'js a' solidly capti- 
vating lilt to Haymes' treatment of 
•'That's All," 'vii'h^e "Rosest' stacks 
up similarly. A' special nod to Gor^ 
ifsti Jenkins' batoneering. 

Gny Lombardo injects plenty of 
bounce in a brace of tunes from the 
"High Button Shoes" score. "I Still 
Cst Jealous" is somewhat of a de- 
ipiBure from his crystallized style, 
while "Papa, Won't You Dance With 
Me?" has his band striking a snappy 
polka tempo that should ' go well 
with', tlie juke and platter -program 
addicts. Don Rodney and the Lom- 
bardo Trio ply the Vocals. 

Stan Kenton is on tap with a 
clickeroo in' "Curiosity" (Capitol). 
It's wrapp'ed up with a lot of rich 
■' jKenfon brass and rhythm, and June 
Christy sells the calypso lyric with 
^ the comedy nuances that it im- 
plies. A surefire fit for the' Christy 
personality, the Alex Kramer-Joan 
V'hitney tyne should also find 
strong -takings around the nickelo- 
deons, On the other side it's Kenton, 
strictly' instrumental 'with an item 
captioned, "Theme to the West," 
While not another "Artistry in" 
Rhjfthm," the number reflects Ken- 
ton's iuncominon conception of mod- 
em jezz imagery and underscores 
his ability to embellish an^idea with 
fiEe. musicianship. 

Mary Martin weaves her person- 
ality .around a couple standards, 
"I've Got a Crush On You" and 
''Beyond the Blue Horizon" (Decca) 
and the result is a charming and 
musically » appealing six minutes. 
Tuttie (iamarata's backgroimds are 
treats in themselves. 

ClUton Stone and His Barn Dance 
Orohestm (Capitol) has a pair that 
the urbanites may not click their 
lieels about but it'll Surely warm up 
the hob-nailed crowd. Latter will be 
tickled as much by the growling 
trumpet which marks "Red White 
' and Blue Over You" as by Stone's 
vocal, while "Watch It, Neighbor" 
makes a snappy hoedown. 

Xionel Hampton's latest represen- 
tation with Decca is "Harap's Got a 
Duke,'.' wherein the hammer-boy 
Bffet stiriciiy -IflBtrattientBi ■ -with a. 
bigh-fljriitjl ^tif 964^ ot;. 4aHc«able We* 



bop, and "Gone Again," which Win! 
Brown lights Up with her throaty 
torch. It's not in the best Hampton 
vein, this coupling, ' but "Duke", is; 
an easy candidate fpr the jukes, ' 

Milt Herth Trio does a conven- 
tionally pleasant job with "Peggy 
O'Neil" and "The Little Old Mill." 
Bob Johnstone is the vocalizer. 

Albums 

, "Listen To Our Story," Bruns- 
wick's collection of replates, is ex- 
clusively for those with a dyed-in- 
the-Wool interest in the older, bal- 
ladry facets of Americana. The eight 
sides were put together by Alan Lo- 
max, and the cognoscenti will prob- 
ably get a hefty kick out of them. 
Some of them date back to medieval 
England, but the flavor is certainly 
earthy American. 

"Mvuntatn. Frolic/' another Bruns- 
wick gathering of reprints with Lo- 
max again as editor, focuses its 
eight-side theme on the square 
dances and hoedowns of the early 
80's Tennessee frontier: They're 
authentically folkish and mostly per- 
formed by folk singers who. have 
long disappeared from the scene. 
Included are "Sourwood Mountain," 
"Sugar HiU," "Arkansas Traveler" 
and "Blackeyes Susie." 

VITACOUSnC, CHliNDIE, 
COMPLETES CAN. PLANT 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 
KTew pressing plant of Vita-' 
coustic, Chi indie, was completed 
last week in Windsor, Canada'. 
Plant is the first ever built in Do- 
minion by an indie. Facilities will 
be lease'd to three other manufac- 
turers.' 

Whether the plant will be used to 
press disks of Canadian artists is 
still unknown, although Vitacoustic 
isMnuUing over deals with French- : 
Canadian talent. 



Frank Loesser 



Hiy* 



"CoK Me 
Frankenstein**' 

«ii .Mlhorial faotar* la 



42d Annivertary Numher 
Out Soon ~ 



LONG-DOWDY SUIT VS. 
REISMAN, DECCA NIXED 

Suit by Avon Long and Helen 
Dowdy: against Leo Reisman and 
Decca Records, for alleged unau- 
thorized use of recordings they 
made with the maestro, was dis- 
missed Monday' (1) by Justice Denis 
O'Leary Cohalan in N. Y. supreme 
court, In finding for the defendants) 
Justice Cohalan included in' his de-. 
cision a statement that theatrical 
attorneys find interesting. He said, 
"in the. theatrical trade the word 
orchestra is broad enoiigh to include 
singers where singers are necessary." 

Long and Miss Dowdy had sued 
Reisman and Decca on their com- 
plaint that recordings they made 
with him of the score of "Porgy and 
Bess" were, they believed, cut for 
test purposes and were not to have 
been turned over to Decca, which he 
did later. They sought $250,000 dam^ 
ages and an acQounting of profits^ 
which Reisman aisserted were non- . 
existent. He claimed he actually 
lost money on the entire transaction'. 

In other parts of his decision. Jus- 
tice Cohalan stated, "In general the 
court is . satisfied that the plantiffs 
knew what they were doing in deal- 
ing with Reisman; that the plantiifs 
had no direct deal with Decca, that 
'Reisman was not authorized by 
Decca to deal with individuals as 
agent for Decca." 



Risk Jfif ki^v Reviews 




LVCKT LAGER DANCE IIME 
With Ira Cook 

12« Alins.; Hon.-tbrv-S»t., 10 pm. 
SpoHiorad ' 
KFAC, tot Angelet 

-Ira Cook ha» the distinction ol 
having the sole popular music show 
on this station, which apes WQXR, 
New York, in the'classical quirk,. It's 
ill part of a pattern Lucky Lager 
brew has spread Over a total of six' 
stations throughout California, at 
the same time nightly, and an Which 
the dance beat is stressed. 

Priding himself on his evaluation 
of "commercial" music, and that 
often on pre-release platters, Cobk 
offers a wide assortment of tunes 
and performers. Included 'in his 
nightly two-hour footbake is a spot- 
lighted band to which he gives a 
half hour Height numbers), Duke 
Ellington being the posied in this 
instance. Otherwise, Cook aifects 
the segment-style shbw, giving 
others slices of time, but with fewer 
numbers. These are cited in group 
form to keep conversation to a min- 
imum, though re-identifled on wind- 
•ups. • '.• . -■ . 

A showmanly touch is aoded by 
Cook's airing from the window of 
Music City, Glenn Wallichs' disk and 
music store, the original home of 
Capitol Records at Sunset an Vine.: 
However, latter gets no special 
break recording-wise and is content 



SIGNATURE MAY GET 
FRESH COIN; ABC COLD 

Signature Records, which last 
week was offered for sale to the 
ABC network, will not be sold. 
Company, which has gone through a; 
difficult financial period during the 
past three, weekSr' is endeavoring to 
arrange fresh finances and is «on» 
eluding de'als with .creditors for ex- 
tended payments 6t debts and mak- 
ing every eftort to continue in op- 
eration, . 

ABC lost interest in deal for Sig- 
nature when it found that the com- 
pany was' not a wholly privately 
owned organization, and that a con- 
siderable part of the firm's stock was 
held by the pubUc; 



• ■ S. 



•• 4. 



, . .' .X . 1*.,. V ■ * ■ . ■■ 

10 Best Sellers on Cun-Madmies 



BALLfiBINA' (5) (JtelTerson) 
NEAa tOV (») (Suiireme) 



i Vaughn. Monroe. ... .... . . .^Victor 

' X Jimmy Dorsey, M-G-M 

J Francis Croij; Bullet 

{ Larry Green. . .' , . ..... : . . . . iVictor 



HOW SOON (4) (Suinreme) , . , ^Bing Crosby Decca 

" - \Jack Owens TovSer 



TOO-FAT FOtKA (4) 
CIVILIZATION (7) (Morris) 
TOU DO (13) (BVC) ...... 



(Shaptro-K) ,.;-..' .• ( Arthur Godfrey .''..Columbia 

(Andrews Sisters Decca 



:: 7. 



.. 9. 



■ 10. 



. iLffuii Pr>nui: .:^..,,...,.,...V^or,_ 

' . ■ ' ' " ■ ■ " ' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ • VAndteios 5?s>-D. Kayc, . . . .. .Decca : 

. . J Dinofi Shore. i ...v,i...riColuTObte 

" " * " " • • r • • X Margaret Whitinp i . . ; ,Cai>itOt 

I WfSH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU (7) |paramount) ..... ' ^'^"V Hutton . . . , Capitol 

■'■*'''■■■■■■ V.VVnughw Monroe i iVictor 

AND MIMI (4) (Shapiro-B) ( Dielc Haymes. Decca 

•* -lArt Lund , M-G-M 

SO FAB (4) (Williamson) ...... . ' . ( Perrv Como Victor 

^' '•,,'.'••'••'•■."••'••'•• I Franfc Sinotro, ......... .Colunibio 

APPLE BtOSSdM WEDOINO (5) (Shaniro-B) ' '4 Sammy Kaye Victor 

^ , - . ,, ""(Eddi/ Howard Majestic 

Coming Up 



: : STANLEY STEAMER (Warren) Uo Stafford. . . 

■'. ■ ■■■ '■ ■" "I Toni/ Martin. 



i . Capitol 
....Victor 

( Perry Cowio. ... ..Victor 

IFramk jSinatrff. . . . . . .....Goluwibia 

TWO LOVES HAVE I (Miller) ( Franfcie Loine ,.Mercurtf 

"""""""""" {Perry Como. ......... ......Victor 



. : ' FEf<LOW NEEDS A GIRL (Williamson) 



GOLDEN EABBINOS (ParaMOunt) * \ Peggy Lee 

1 Dinah , Share. . 



. i . i . . i .CapifoJ 
i . .Columbia 

SERENADE OF THE BELLS (Morris) -v. . -(Sammy Kaye Victor 

X-fo Stafford Copitol 

WHIFEENPOOF SONG (Miller) Btng Crosbj/ Decca 

GENTLEMAN IS A DOPE (Williamson) jo Stafford....'. Capitol 

PASS PEACE PIPE (Chappell) , i Dinah Shore '..Victor 

.'■;■■■( Kay Kyser Columbia 

DON'T YOU LOVE ME ANYMORE (Oxfora) .... , . ^ Freddy Martin .Victor 

' , ' """""XBuddy Clarke.. Cotombia'-- 

POPPA WON'T YOtf DANCE (Morris) i Guj/ Lombardo Decca 

"• (Doris Dai; Columbia 

NAUGHTY ANGELINE (Simon) J Dteic Hoj/mes Decca 

X Art Lund M-G-M 

KOIQLOMO, IND. (BVC) . . . . . . , . . , . , ^ , . , . . , , , . . .1 Bing Crosby. .Decca 

I Vaughn Monroe... Victor 

I STILL GET JEALOUS (Morris) ., j ^^'"■''V James Columbia 

■ . ' \Three Suns, i .■. Victor 

WHAT ABE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S (Famous),,.. Margaret WhHing Capitol 

STABS WILL'REMEMBEB (HarAS) j . , ., i.'.., ^ 3f«^'9'»i_;Aronroe. .. .Victor 



' ". " X Frank Sinatra ;..COlumbia' 

.. .SAVE THE BONES (Capitol) Mercer-Kinff Cole Capitol t 

. 5 Aw*eu)s-Co«allaro ......... DecCd 

■ " ■ ■ • " • • " ' I Edd^u Howard. . ; . . . . .... .Majestic 

I^ATE (Berlin) , , f Tommy Dorsey ' Victor 

_ . . , i Eddi/ Howjord Majestic 

Wimr^ tit MfeWiKses mdicaie number 01 weekt smg^^ 

fcn M O «i i 1 1 » , , , ' T • • T r 1 1 1 M I M M n 1 1 1 1 1 1 u : 



with the site plugs, .Locale some- 
times makes for minor disturbances 
and mechanical errors such as 
pauses between announcements and 
disks but none of it seriously de- 
tracting, 

Show, going into its fourth and 
perhaps, last year on KFAC, also 
spots a once- weekly guest who is 
also handled with more than usual 
brevity in keeping with undressed 
commentaries which Cook delivers 
in a youthful, relaxed and unpre- 
tentious manner. Hurl, 

WAX MUSEUM 

With Studs Terkel 

60 Mlns.; Suni, 3 p.m. ' 

Concord Radio 

WCFL, Chloago 

Studs Terkel seldom spins a poo 
Usual fare on his "Wax Museum"' 
show consists of folk ballads, classic 
New Orleans jazz, and operatic arias, 
which is wide taste. His commentary 
combines erudition and genuine 
musical savvy with a dese-dem-and- 
dose idiom that tends to popularize 
basically noh-pop stuff. This is par- 
ticularly true of his side-of-the- 
mouth resumes of operas, in which 
he reduces Don Giovanni, Lakme, 
and such folk to common clay, 
^ Terkel originated "Wa'x Museum" 
in September, 1945. He writes his 
own material, turning out a well- 
knit script in which disks and 
verbiage neatly dovetail. Commer- 
cials on his current stint for Con- 
cord, which teed oil Nov. 30, are 
casual but loaded with sell. The 
Voice of the Terkel has- a gravelly- 
cpo that sliould bring thtem into the 
store. . Baxf. 

DAILY HIT PABADE 

With Nelson King 

45 Mlns.; 6:15 p.m., Mon.-thru-Sat. 

Participating. 

WCKT, Cincinnati 

At.the turntables for 28 hours or 
so each week, Nelson King has a 
heavy following with listeners to this 
unafliliat(5d 50,000-watter. An ex- 
nitery entertainer who started doing 
general milte work on West Virginia, 
Kentucky and Ohio stations in 1934, 
King turns in a slick job of platter 
spinning. 

For a. "Daily Hit Parade" series 
King plays the 10 top-selling records 
of the day in Cincy shops. This pro- 
gram is a warmup for the Jamboree 
session which follows each weekday 
night from 8 to midnight. The final 
45-mlnute stretch of the Jamboree is 
devoted to the folks out yonder, be- 
ing called the HillbiUy Hit Parade. 
It IS one of few such offerings on the 
air. ■ 

King has'tugged a lot bf mail on 
various offers, topper being nearly 
75,000. responses from 36 states for 
copies of his photo. For hillbilly 
rooters/ King calls square dances 
when fiddlin' music is on. Pop fans 
hear King mostly in a straight rou- 
tine. Roll, 

FASHIONS IN MUSIC 

WIUj Sammy Taylor 

3 Hrs.; 10 pM.; Mon. thru Sat. 

Participating 

KWJ J, Portland, Oregon 

Aside from having the top evening 
record, show in this vicinity^ Sammy 
Taylor, better known as "The Record 
Man" is always on the lookout for 
something just a little bit different. 
"Tayloi-'s show usually consists of 
disks, interviews, answering requests, 
and reading commercials in a soft, 
makes ya wanna listen voice. 

When Leo Jaroff, onerator of 
the Cloud Room, local nitery, cited 
Beatrice Kay as his star lor the 
week, Taylor arranged to spin his 
disks directly from the spot by re- 
mote control. This is the first 
time this has been attempted in the 
Nortiiwest. Between disks and com- 
mercials, he interviewed people in 
radio, newspaper, and theatrical 
fields. With the house band in the 
■background, chatter of the patrons 
and the general night club noises as, 
a-setting for his com'mercials and in- 
terviews, it prompted a flood of 
cqmphmenlary calls and letters. 

MIDNIGHT FLYEB 
With Al Poska 

fiO Mins.; Midnight, Mon. thru Sat. 

Sustaining 

KFI, Los Angeles 

. To hear Al Po.>ska and other staf- 
fers tell it, KFI serves a goodly 
chunk of America with' its clear 
channel operation after midnight. As 
a matter ot fact, music schedule.? ai-e 
built as though this were true, being 
a mixture to please all tastes, from 
the pure operatic to barrel house. 

Show is two years old and Is a 
witching hour fllier between the sta- 
tion's (NBC outlet) regular signoiT 
and its all-nighter, with Bob Phillips 
at the helm, which ryms from 1 to 5 
a.m. It's fin all-request session, at 
present and for some time past un- 
sponsored though it was once a Bar- 
basol package, and on which guests 
are lightly interviewed. 

Poska's chore is worlcmanlike it 
less colorful than his cOnteAiporaries 
but tliat seems to be in keeping with 
staid station policy, He manages to 
'Set ill doxeri-odd plates for airing in 
between reaching humorous patter 
anent the musical potpourri. Hurl, 



^ein*»daft Decemlier 3, 1947 



IM|CWB$TBAS*JIIIT$IC 



41 



Turkey Wedk No Turkey f(Hr Biz h 
Eastern Dates; James Phiny Bolf 



Thanksgiving weekend );>roduced 
niuch thanksgiving among eastern 
name band location iind one-nighter 
operators. For a change, ljusiness 
fan from good to exceptional in 
many location spots, wliile single- 
date promotions all reported making 
money, which 1« quite a change 
from the recent succession ol poor 
grosses, AU didn't report landojCflce 
biss, l>ut thejr made some coin. 

Perhaps the outstanding b,a Job 
in the east was done toy Harry 
James, at Franltie Palumbo's Click- 
Club, Philadelphia. In addition ' to 
the holiday weekend, Philly was fed 
with four straight days of football, 
from, the Penn-Cornell game on 
Thanksgiving through a Catholic 
high school championship game Fri- 
day, Army-Navy Saturday, and the 
Philly Eagles-Pitt Steelers pro game 
Sunday, James did $11,000 gross Sat- 
iU'day niglJt alone, firemen ordering 
-doors c^p^ed. to newcomers fairly 
eariy in the -evening. 

In New VoTk all major hotels did 
Well, with Stan Kenton at the Com- 
modore outstanding. He opened 
Tuesday (25) and in six days racked 
iip 2,320 covers. 



Manree Hot in Worcester 

Worcester, Dec. 2. 
Vaughn Monroe^ ' playing his third 
date within the year at Worcester 



Criterion Shifts Gateley 
~ To Hollywood Branch 

.Bud Gateley, professional manager 
of Criterion Music, is being shifted 
to the Hollywood office of that 
company due to the belief of owner 
Miclcey Goldsen that the Coast 
scene is today the focal point of the 
music business.' Gateley will super> 
vise all professional activity on that 
end, with Goldsen and two other 
staffei-s handling N. Y. 

Gateley will replace Pete Camr 
eroi), who . currently handles Cri- 
terion and Capitol companies -on 
the Coast; 



Memorial Awdilorium Thanksgiving 
Eve,' cracked ail records for gross 
receipts at a dance here. Understood 
Frank Duffy, promoter, gave the 
maestro a ^S,500 guarantee against 
a 60% cut and Monroe took out $S,- 
180 for his end. 

Monroe grossed approximately $8,- 
700 after tax deductions. 



Yellen-Fain Won't Dissolve 
After Chas. Ross Leaves 

Though Jack Vellen, Sammy Fain 
and CKarles Ross, their new asso- 
ciate in the Yellen' & Fain music 
publishing company, are parting, 
the company " will continue in busi- 
ness. Only Ross is cutting out of 
the setup due to a disagreement 
over terms of the never-signed con- 
tract proposed between him and, the 
lirms two owners. 

Yellen; & Fain had ■ been a part^ 
nership prior to Ross coming into 
the organization, and the latter's 
leaving will not dissolve the com- 
pany. 



OpionKviyAffloiiglMFin^ 
On Meet of Petrillo s Jan. 1 Ban 



Opinion, is divided among the^ ma^ 
jor disk manufacturers regarding 
the Jan. 1 American Federation of 
Musicians recording ban. On? com- 
pany has sta.<:hed away so much ma- 
terial since the AFM's notice of the 
ban six weeks ago that it states 
flatly it wishes Petrillf would dou- 
ble-cress the companies and apply 
the stop-order immediately; it has 
that much of a head start. The 



BETm SHEH BEST SELLEBS 



Survey of retail sheet music 
sales, based on reports obtained 
from leading ttores in 10 citic.?, 
and shOKjing comparative sales 
rating for this and last weelc. 



Natioiisl 
Batinc 

This Last 
wic. wk. 



Week Ending 
NOV. 29th 



Title 



Publisher 



u 



T 
O 
T 
A 
L 

P 
O 
I 

N 
T 



1 








.. 1 


1. 


3 


3 


1 


1 




1 


2 




88 


2 


2 


"ir«u Do" 


.BVC 


.. 2 


3 


1 


1 


2 


2 


6 


2 




6 


84 


8 


5 


"WhISenpoof Sane" . . 




5 


■ z , 


6 


S 


4 


3 


7 


6 


■■,'3 : 


3 


66 


4 


4 


"And Miinr. . . ; 


.Shapiro-B . 


.. 3 


6 


5 


7 


6' 


8 


9 






7 


37 


5A 


3 


"1 Wish I Didn't Love Yon". Paramount . 








2 


2 












33 


SB 


6 




.Supreme .. 


"1 


8 


9 








2 




6 


1 


33 


6 


11 




.Morris 






7 


« 




:■■■,*■ 


10 


5 


5 




29 


7 


S 


"Ballerbw" 


.Jeiterson ... 




7 


8 










8 






24 


8 


0 


^'FeadfB' mttd Fishtin'. . . . . . 




.. 9 




* 






5 


3 








23 


9 


12 




.Berlin 










9 






3 




4 


17 


10 


8 




.Williamson 






10 




7 


6 




7: 






16 


11 


10 


'^Serenade of tbe Bells''; . . 


.JWorris 














5 








13 


12 






■Shapiro-B . 


.. 8 














4 


10 




11 


13A 


■■:7;' 


"Apple Blossom Weddine^'. 


.Shapiro-B . 




5 




8 














9 


13B 




"Pet 6' My Heart" 






















2 


9 



same outfit also asserts it bale so 
much material filed, away tliat it 
doesn't care if the disking Tiiatus 
lasts three years. 

Another major, which has been 
going about pijjng up a backlog in 
a more deliberate way and at a re- 
sult probably: hasn't cut as much : 
material as the iirst, is non-commit- 
tal. It's going to continue to record 
right up to the last minute and, re- 
gai-dless of liow well stuffed it may : 
bj with advance masters, it is mak- 
ing no statements about what Petril- 
lo. can do with his ban. 

. .. the middle sits Decca, which 
refuses to be thrown into a panic 
b;; the ' ban, although it; too, has 
iiooe about considerably adding to 
the masters it has been stowing 
away again.st just such an emer- 
gency. Decca chief Jack Ki;pp as- 
serts that hoping the ban will last 
a long time is like hoping you can 
stand ott your overhead while go- 
ing through a "selling out" sale, with 
dimftiishing profits on outmoded ma- 
terial being overbalanced by costs. 

Capitol, on the other banc, is in 
the throes of selling out; if that 
deal with the ABC network is con- 
cluded its executives' will get out 
nicely from under the headaches 
that such a company roust encounter 
over a long ban. ' 

As for the many indies,' they 
aren't talking to , for or against 
Petrillo. and the AFM. They're too 
busy stacking hay with one eye on 
the approaching' storm cloud to dare 
or sass Petrillo. And the only time 
they take that one eye oil the storm 
is to look around for additional 
coin with which to help pay for 
the next crop of masters. 



AllecTo Mur<c, 'Inc.; chartered to 
conduct a music business in New. 
York City, with a capital stock of 
1,200 shares. Directors are: Leonard 
H. Benson, SeymOur A, Lev;y'and Al- 
bert A. DeStefano. ' 

(This firm has no connection 'with 
Oscar Hammerstein lt'-RicbardRodg.. 
ers musical, "Allegro.") 



MILLER MUSIC PARADE OF HITS 




ff»n«» lytkt ky X»«<r tntf H. Varna • fnglhh Vewion by J. P. (Avrray end tarry Trhir$ • Afli/Wc bf Vfntf «» ScoHo 

.lUDDV ClAM.RAV NOUI->««fvmbte 
riMY COMO^Vitlwr 
Mff DANI~Atfq« 



BILLY ECK$TINE^.C-M 
SHEP flWLDi-Mu$i<raft 
CLAUDi HOPKINS— «ainb«iir 



FRANKIE LAINE— Mcrevry 
6UY lOmiA«Dd--4«CM 
ANN SHCLTON-leiHroa 




onna 




KID ■INSON-..|l«rnboiv ^ ' 
HOAOY CARMICHAEL'-OMca 



(yric by Al Uwb * A4w/c by Heword Simon 



RAY DOREY—Mo/aitic 
■tNNY eOOOMAN— CofUM 



Sua Oh ^oikf 



LARRY 6REEN— Victor 
TONY PAJTOR— C«iumb<« 




ong 



•y Mterfe Minn{g«r«if*, Gcorg* $. Pointroy, Ja4 8. Gafiowoy • RcWsion by Ru<fy Vofitf 



Mli LL€I?>/ My iiiC C@f^[F'@)fS AiTC@N . 1619 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 19 . NoVman Foley; Gen. Pro7,'/V1gf. ' 



42 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



Hsinil - Hotel Plwycd 

Nat Bfand Wynne*. Waldorf. (400; $?> 8 ' 

Charlie Spivak... Pennsylvania (500; 50) 2 

Sammy Kaye..".. New Yorker (400; Sl-5!l-50). . 3 

Johnny Pineapple Lexingfon (300; $1-31.50) 55 

GuyLombardo Roosevelt (400; $1-$1. 50) , .. ..7 

Stan Kenton" Commodore (400; $1-$1.50) 1 

*jPe Marcos at Waldorf, Vic Damone at Commodore. 



. Wck 
2,400 

2,250 
1,725 
950 
2,;500 
2,325 



TOtttI 
Coven 
On nnte 

19,675 
9,750 
8,700 
■ 51,800 

l'?,800 
2,325 



Chicago 

Jose IMelis (College Inn. Sherman; 700; $2-3.50 min.). Mel Torme hitting 
hefty 5,600. : 

Ray Morton (Mayfair Room, Blackstone, 300; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Illona 
Massey opening Friday (28) following Jan August and' Monica Lewis run, 
pulled 2,100. 

(Beorjfe Olsen (Marine Room, Edge water Beach; $l-50-$2.50 min.). Bad 
weather early part of week accounted for slight drop to 3,800. 

Ofrin Tucker (Boulevard Room.^ Stevens; 650; $3.50 min.-$l cover). 
Another weather-hit spot. Fair 3,000 

Grja Williams (Empire Room, Palmer; 550; $2,50 min.-$X cover). Turkey 
Day diners swelled covers to 3,700, 



|.^os .Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $l,50-$2). Hefty 3,300 tabs. 
Jan Garber (Biltmore; 900; $1-$1.50). Excellent 3,200 covers. 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

. • .'■ . ■ ; .:, (Chicago), . ■ ■,. . ■■ , 

Marty Gould (Chez Paree; 550; $3.50' min.). Paul Draper pre-holiday 
opening helped net 5,500. 

Eddy Howard (Aragon; $1-$1. 15 adm.). Good holiday weekend biz. 
Bright 18,100. 

Buddy Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700; $2.50 min.). Lenny Kent headlining. 
Parties for hospitalized vets during entire week raised take to hot 3,600. 

Liawrence Welk (Trianon; $1-$1,25 adm.)i Thanksgiving Day bow 
equalled spicy 18,000. , 



(Los Angeles) 

Xavier Qu'gat (Aragon, B, Ocean Park). Closed five-day stand with 
•tout 6,200 payees: Paul Martin's local crew continuing. 

Lionel Hamtiton . (Meadowbrook, B, Culver City, 5th wk.). ■ Closed 
stand with fair 5,400 admishes for flnal frame. Count Basic opened last 
nite ■ (.2). ■ ■ ■ 

Elliot Lawrence (Palladium, B, Hollywood, 2d wk). Biz picked up a 
little over holidays; profitable 10,800 stub buyers. 



Monroe Uses Ballerina 
As Song's Illustration 

Boston, Dec. 2. 

Vaughn Monroe is making visual 
use of the sharp impetus he and his 
band have been given by the heavy 
click of their Victor recording of tlie 
tune "Batieriria." Onstage at the 
RICO Bostort theatie, Monroe has 
built a, -production number around 
his arrangement of the tune— using 
an actual ballerina as background 
for his vocalling. Girl works under 
a subdued spot, 

Monroe: doesn't go into other the- 
atres following his current date un- 
til next month, but when he resumes 
hell continue to use the ballet 
terper, 

* 

Dreyfus Warms Up 
Harms Co. to Hypo 
Songs in Disk Crisis 

Dreyfus jriusic publishipg group 
is reactivating 'the T. B. Harms com- 
pany to the extent that it's assigning 
to that firm a new contact staff and 
moving Into a group of new tunes. 
Harms has been comparatively dor- 
mant lor. months, but now that the 
recording ban of Jan. 1 is forcing 
all companies to bunch tunes for 
disking, and must have open spots 
wherein they can be exploited, when 
released, renewing tl^e Harms staff 
was one answer to Dreyfus' particu- 
lar problem. " 

Carley Mills, professional manager 
of Chappell,; will be moved into the 
same spot 'in Harms. He will work' 
on '.'Mickey,' which, is being sched- 
uled for a revival ride due to the 
success of. Ted Weems' Mercury 
disking. Firm will also hahdle the 
score of the forthcoming "Make Mine 
Manliattan," Broadway-due musical. 




''6 j|jo|iths.ago, I was just another piano player!" 

Th»n I added a Solovox to my piano. Now, I'm booked solid / 
• ■ aiid drawing down more money than I ever made before. 



Six MojtTHS Ago, I sit in a night dub. 
There I sec a piano player who isn't 
half the musician X am take three 
*ncorcs'and leave the customers hol- 
Jering for more. ^ 

'Wbet^ he takes the last bow, 1 in- 
vite him to my tabic for a di inlc. I tell 
him who I am and one thing leads to 
another^imtil by the time the joint 
clobcs he is in a mood to .show mc 
what gives. A Solovox*, he calls it 
and hi^ilets mc try it. 

Brother, this is something! With 
.thii. Solovox hitched to the piano, I 
<ian make like a sax or get hot like a 
trmnpet, while playing my own piano 



accompaniment. Just by fiddling with 
the ton? controls I can get a whole 
raft of colorful effetts — oboe, organ, 
violin, flute, cello— almost any instru- 
ment you can name. 

I can dress, up pop tunes and make 
.the long Iiair stuft sit up and beg. The ' 
SoIovo.K makes mc a speciality instead 
of just another piano player. 

The liext morning ! hit for a piano 
dealer on the double; tell him to wrap 
up a Solovo.i: for sjic, and tlien I beat 
it for my agent. 

The rest is very happy history. I'm 
booked solid for months and making 
money like a counterfeiter. 



You get the hang of the SolovOx 
in no time. It's portdblc. It's easy to 
attach to any piano, and just as easy 
to detach, ypu'jnst plug it into the 
lighting circuit and play. Doesn't 
aflect.tlie normal tones of the piano, 
'Cither.' ■ 

f What a Solovox docs for you may. ' 
be less; or it may be even more than 
it did for me.^\ lot depends upon your 
oivn musical skill and showmanship. 
Certainly, you can't lose a plugged 
nickel by clipping the coupon and 
finding out more about the Solovox. 

Now, can you? 




oVox 



MpJ* ^ V# mJcmn of Hammond Organ 



%iMiMn.ii.KMriMh.- 



Hammond Invtrunient Cfnnpaiiy 
4248W. Div«raey Ave., ChickKo 39, Illinoll 
Gentlemen: Ple*^ send me further tttfArmati'im abont 
the Solovox, amt the nmnea oT Sdovex dealen aeti mm. 

N«np ,i ,," ■ 

Addren~ ■ ,■: . :. ■ ' . ■ . , ' ■ ■ ■ /ik 



Best Mh Sheet Sellers 

{Week Snditig Nov, 20) 

Now is the, Hour , K. Prowse 

Sorrento-' , i Ricordi 

Little Old Mill ^ ."Dash 

Apple Blossom Wedding i Connelly 

I'll Make Up For' Everything Maurice 

First Love, Last Love Dash" 

Danger Ahead , 'Vale 

Donegal , Lead? 

Guilty ; F, D, &H, 

Chl-Ba-Ba Sun 

Peg O' My Heart ~. , . , Ascherberg 

Garden in the Rain , Connelly 

Second IZ . 

Bow Bells ..> (....,: .'..,...).., Kassner 

Christmas Dreaming ' Leeds 

Old Spanish Trait .... .i .... . .......... i... .....Maurice 

Lovely World and You . ..... .......... ....... . . . .Cincphonic 

My> Desire . , — . ; ; . . ....... ; . . . Feldman 

Feudin' and Flghtin' Chappell 

Sweetheart Avenue F. D. & H. 

Anniversary Song .,, Connelly 

I Believe '........• Morris 

People Will Say , , Williamson 

They Say It's Wonderful Berlin 

What a Beautiful Morning Williamson 



Coin Tunes Big In Britain 

sterling Sherwin, whose last cow 
boy book, published by Francis, Day 
& Hunter of London, proved to be 
Great Britain's top : cow-crooner 
seller, has signed with that com- 
pany for a new book to be titled 
"Sherwin's Saddle' Songs." 

New book features all original il- 
lustrated numbers. 



Band Review 



Giiy 



STAN KENTON .ORCH. (31) 
With Jone Cbristy. Ray Wetzel 
Commodlore Hoteli N. IT. 

Stan Kenton's reorganized orches' 
tra was expected to burst the seams 
of the Commodore hotel's Century 
Room. It is doing just that-— but not 
in the manner anticipated. Its pres- 
sure on the room's construction 
comes partly Irom the tremendous 
drive of this big band, but ma,inly 
from the amouilt of business Kenton 
is drawing into the cubicle. At the 
week's end Sunday OO), he had 
piled 2,325 covers into the spot. 

Few bands have I. come into N. y. 
for a date at a major hotel under 
the sort of apprehension, that '-sur.> 
rounded Kenton's debUt. His big 
■band — consisting of 10 toass evenl^ 
divided, five sax, and six rhythm-* 
is known for its wild attack on 
anything but so-called popular mU' 
sic. Those concerned with the \)o6k- 
ing ielt like small boys who had set 
a fire where they shouldn't have; 
they were scared silly by the pos- 
sible consequences. As it's turning 
out, the bookers liiight well have set 
a fire alright — one that may put .a 
flame" to the dying embers of a: once- 
hot swing-band 'business. It's very 
possible that Kenton may achieve 
that result. There's no question but 
that Renton is working a room he 
shouldn't have been booked for and 
that he's wrong in playing the kind 
of 'music he does .in a spot' such as 
this, but he's ■ doing business and 
that's the only answer to be sought. 
Whether the kids who are patroniz- 
ing him are .gpending much is an- 
other story. They "Seeni like Coca- 
Cola, chejcks. '- 

Here at the Commodore, Kenton is 
doing things' .that many thought 
were no longer possible in the band 
field: (1) He's playing to 'heavy 
crowds exclusively made up of kids 
who 12) rush to surround the band- 
stand th^ second the first musician 
puts foot on the stand to start a set 
and (3) then stand around open- 
mouthed, drinkmg in his surrealism 
in music like they knew what it 
was all about. In short, somi. datiee, 
but the majority listen. ' 
. There's only one answer to the 
newly.found' success- of Kenton in 
N. Y. His band plays the most ex- 
citing music to be heard anywhere. 
And that's what has been lacking 
among the top-name bands for some 
time. Disregard' for a moment that. 
Kenton uses material that starts 
where Duke Ellington, in his hey- 
day, left off (it plays no pop tunes). 
Disregard tor a moment that it is 
played toy a unit that has no rival 
among current bands, performance- 
wise. It is being successful with the 
kids here because it is tremendously 
exciting— and that's the only thing 
that has been wrong with the so- 
called "swing band" 'business. None 
of the big Bands has been able to 
get out of its own way. They are 
tired in more ways than one. 

Trying to analyze Kenton's music 
is like trying to analyze the world's 
current troubles. rThis reviewer 
frankly didn't care for Kenton's 
ideas as presented by the combo 
used before his illness last spring, 
with the exception of certain record- 
ed arrangements sqch as "Intermis- 
sion Riff" and "Artistry in Rhythm." 
Too much of the remainder of his 
book then seemed aimless and often 
jtst plain uncomfortable noke. This 
rt^w band, while it plays the' same 
(Continued ODi page. 48) 



Mpls. Stirs Ui» Jazz 

Minneapolis, Dec. 2. 
Local jazz musicians are being 
given a chance to display their 
ability at a series of Sunday after- 
noon concerts, titled "We Call It 
Jazz," in the Radisson hotel Gold 
Rpom. Best of local jazz musicians 
have been assembled into a dixies 
land band. 

Idea is that of Bob Smith of KnOx- 
Reeves ad. agency and Leigh Kam- ' 
man Of WLOL. Purpose of the, proj- 
ect, they say,, is to create a greater 
local interest in jazz. 



From Holiywood 




mm 




MEN'S DINNEf? 
SHIRTS SJ.95 
<& S4.95 



SUIT— -I'oi-' JSaiicei-fli, 
SU ftt era' mtift iS.cro^ . 
batic T e ft tti «.- Of ■ 
sturdy All ?Wooi 
■Whipcord. Tou wilt 
flljd theiil veiT' eaas^ 
and fomtortttl^le ±0 
wofk In, a'nlhired »s 
only We kliow lioWf 
In Mldliiglit BjUB, 
Royal Blu(!, Powder 
Blue, Grey and 
•"■--■-■^ *_ ■ Maroon;'. ■ ■■•■.i' 
3f4IMt!>CO MBASritK— 7lt.0O 

SUPREME MEN'S SHOP 

1693 BROADWAY, Neiir S3rd St. 



She's an Old SwMtheart I 
with the Ne«y Leoli ■ 

MARY LOU 
If It's True 

: MIlTf) Bro». (Dcccn m84) 
Johnny I>«iim»n<1-Vnsci OuvniitiuBli Trio 
„ . (Vlrtor 80-8818) 
CoAtle WilUanip (Mnjcatlc J 165) 
■Art Mooney ' itM:0;M. 10088) 

When YouVe Smiling 

MILLS MUSIC. Inc. 
I6M Broadway New York 19 



Compltt*. Faciliticc of 
DYNAMIC RECORDNG 

STUDIO 
AvoUabl* EvMings 

for 

DRAMATiC AND RADIO CLASSES 
37 Wait 57th Street. Now York 
PLon S-14M 



Dw Lee Net Cuts 
Martin Hock For 
Disk Criticisnis 

Hollywood, Dtc. 2. 

Since exitinf KFWB and decreas- 
ing his tplftsh Martin Block has 
run into further' trouble on the Don 
Lee net. For failing to abide the re- 
gional chain's instructions' to soft- 
pedal criticisms of recordings the 
ac6 platter man'* time on KHJ lo- 
cally and the Lee sltein has been re- 
duced to three aponsored quarter 
hours weekly and all suiitaining 'time 
■withheld. 

Net takes the stand that Block if 
not professionally qualified to pass 
judgment on musical works and that 
ifche didn't like certain folks or their 
disks he should not play them. In- 
cident, started over his critiques of 
Beryl Davis and Betty Rhodes. Block 
takes the view that all must stand 
on their own when included in the 
"reviewing" section of hlS broad- 
casts. 



4S 



N Y. COMMODORE SETS 
ROOM AS 12-MONTHER 

Century Room of the Commodore 
hotel, New York, becomes a year- 
round operation next summer for 
the first time, although it had made 
many plans in the past to stay open 
through the hot months. Recent 
installation of air-conditioning will 
allow those plans to go through. 

Woody Herman's reorganized or- 
chestra was signed by the Commo- 
dore last week; he opens in April for 
either four or six weeks: Herman 
has never before played the Com- 
modore, his ^. Y. hotel locations in 
the past covering only the Ne'w 
Yorker - and -Pennsylvania. Both 
these wots, hccwever, are controlled 
by ma}or< boolcittg agencies and since 
Hermaii recently shifted from Gen- 
eral Artists to the new Continental 
agency,' Coast outfit, getting into 
dtber' ispot'i would have . been , dif fir 
cult. 



RETm DISK BEST SELLERS 



Surbty of retail disk best 
sclicrs, based on reports ob- 
tained /rom leading stores in 
10 cities, 'and sHotuin'o com- 
pitrotivc sales ratine for this 
and liast^weefe. . . 



National 
Rating 

This Last 
wk. : wk. 



Week Ending 
Nov. 29th 



Arltai Label, Vttlc 



FK*NOlf^CItAtQ (Bullet) 

VAtTCll^ Mdl^llOE' (Victor) 
"Ballerina" 



















■■■■ 










' d 
O 










6 










u 
1 


U 


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»— « 

u 

1 






1 










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3 








o" 

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h 
K 


n 


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i; 


n 


1 
u 

(U 




C 
0 

09 


(Schmidt's 


w 
«> 

M 

o} 


•& 


1 


' sa- 
il) 

.G 
■ "if 


o 


■ % 
e 

0) 

Q 


CO 

'I 

•■ 8, • 

; ^ ■ ■ 

B 

. ■',..!•■■ ■ 


-(Krey's) 


T 


a 
u 

,,M . 
w 


i 


] 


Detroit— (Gi 


I 

b 


« 

"5 


JB 


1 

9 


ai 

1 


iS 


3 


e 

■«■: . ■ 

M 


M 

< 

m • 

■ . © ■■ 


,..u ■ 
h 

'4" 

■ m 


...■0 - 

■ 

w 

- 'O „ 

« 


1 

■* ■■ 


Minneaf 


. ."5 

■©■■ 

■ ■ ■ 



T 
O 
T 
A 
L 

P 
O 
I 

T 

S 



64 



55 



3 ,3 



ABTHUR GODFREY (Columbia) 
' ••Too Fat Polka" . . 



5 6 



5 85 



ANDREWS SIS-DANNY KAYE (Decca) 
••Civilization" 



2 2 



3 26 



JACK OWENS (Tower) 
"How Soon" 



10 I 23 



6 13 



BETTY HDTl'ON 

"I Wish I Didn't Love You So". 



7 


0 


BING CROSBY (Decca) 


.. . 8 




5 


.. 10 


■ 


20 


8 




BING CROSBY (Decca) 






8 




■■•7 • 


4 18 


S 




BING CROSBY (Decca) 




7 


10 






.; 17 


10 A 




VIC QAMONE (Mercury) 








3 




.. 16 


lOB 




PEGGY LEE (Capitol)' ■ ; 




5 








.. 16 


11 




DINAH SHORE (Columbia) 




6 






2 


14 


12A 


■ 'i- 


VAUGHN MONROE (Victor) 


.. 3 .. 7 .. i 












12B 


10 


PERRY COMO (Victor) 






6 






.. 12 


^3A 


5 


IMARGARET WHITING (Capitol) 






7 


4 




.. 11 


13B 


8 


DlClt HAYMES (Decca) 






3 ■ 


8 




11 



22 



FIVE TOP 
ALBUMS 



"XMAf CAROLS^' 
ting Cretby 

. Decca 



'60iS TO TOWN' 
DvMlhy'Shay 

Columbia 



."PAinc AVE" , 
berethy Shay 

Columbia 



McKmley Wm 
Over Majestic 
In AFM Ikmm 



American Federation of Musicians 
has returned a - verdict in favor of 
Hay McKinley in the latter's attempt 
to pry himself loose from his Majesi. 
tic recording contract. Decision was 
delivered early this week, and Gen- 
eral Artists, McKinley 's booker. Im- 
mediately set about signing his band 
with another recording company to • 
allow him time to lay in some 
masters before the Jan. 1 recording/ 
ban. . , 

In deciding to recognize McKin- 
ley's claims that Majestic had not 
lived up to the terms of its contract 
with himi AFM's Rex Riccardi, who 
judged the case, had many things to 
(Continued on page 44) . 



AL JOLSON 
Album No. I 

Decca 



. AL JOISON 
Album No, a 

Decca * 



MILLER, JOE SANTLY 
REELECTED BY MPCE 

' Mu?ic Publishers Contact Employ- 
ees elections in New York Monday 
(1) produced only minor changes 
in the executive setup of the organi- 
zation. Bob Miller was unanimously 
reelected president without opposi- 
tion, and the same applied to Jo» 
Santly, veepee, Who replaced Rocco' 
Vocco in that position when the lat- 
ter resigned seve'ral months; age- 
Charles Lang was reelected treas- 

; urer over the opposition supplied by 
Ralph Smitman, who had beeii • 
council member but sought the Lan;g. 

spot.,.' . 

On the Council three men were re* ' 
placed, one, of course, being Smit- 
man and. the other Johnny Green. 
Harry Santly had previously re- ' 
placed Nat' Debin, who dropped off 
the board because he's- no longer a ' 
music man. Electees, all of whom 
take office Jan. 1, consist of Santly, 
Larry Shayne, Harry Weinstein, 
Sammy Smith,. Gene Goodman and 
Leo, Distbn. 

All^MPCE members . iiationed in , 
outlying towns cast theit 'ballots by - 
mail» ' 



To All Recording Companies 

ALL DRESSED UP with a BROKEN HEART 
THERE'LL BE SOME CHANGES MADE 

MIAMI BEACH RUMBA 
I KNOW IT 
EVERY DAY'S MY BIRTHDAY 
GILLY GILLY WISH WASH 
BELOVED BE MINE 
PLAY THE PL AYER A 

TIME AND AGAIN 
SILLY NO-SILLY YES 

EDWARD B. MARKS MUSIC CORPORATION 

RCA Building Radio City New York 

HAROLD LEE, General Professional Manaqer 

The House of Malagueng, Parade of fhe Wooden Soldiers, Paper Doll, Peanut Vendor, Song of the Islands," I Wonder Who s Kisbinq Hi'r Now 
■ El Roncho Grande, Breeze and I (Andalucia), Play Fiddle Play, Jair Me Blues, Poinciana, Sari Walfz, Amapola, Frasquiici Sereriods!, Your^ 

Tango of Roses and hundreds of other hits, ripe for recording again. 



44 



•Bcnptsnuts-AfiTsic 



W«dne«fliiy, tktwxAtet 3, 1947- 



On Ae Upbeat 



New York 

Eli Oberg^ein, head of RCA-Victor 
artists and repertoire division, liead-. 
Ing for the Ofoast the end of this 
week tor a .week or -so of looking 
over the recording situation there 
. . . Harry Fox, .general manager of 
Musiif Publishers Protective Assn. to 
Chicago next -week (10) to check on 
Sonera and Mercury record compa- 
nies royalty problems ... Alan Ger- 
ard Trio recording for National Rec- 
o . Gerard jEormer hamA shj-er, 
plays guitar . . , Tosor Pastor orches- 
tra into Ansley hotel, Atlantar.Jan, 7 
. . . Chuck -T'oster orchestra to 
Plantation, Houston, Deo. 19 . . . 
Jack Paris combo into Three Deuces, 
N. X. Dec. 12 . . . Virginia Maxey, 
former band singer now doing a 
single^ into Slapsie Maxey's, Holly- 
wood, Dec. '4 . . . Decca Becords 
signed Marie Knight, now out with. 
Sister Hosetta Tharpe . . . Stan Ken- 
ton doubling into Capitol Record 
studio in N. Y. while at Commodore^ 
hotel . . Joe Mooney quartet into 
Downbeat Club, N. Y. . . . Ira 
Mangel now managing Gene Krupa 
orchestra . . . Decoa's "Oklahoma!" 
album passed 700,000 copies in sales. 



Hollywaodl 



Iiouis Jordan crew close Silly 
BSrg's Dec. % two weeks «arly. Jor- 
dan has been ordered ' "to take a 
threieomonth rest by doctors. Layoff 
necessitates cancelling Dec. i1 week 
«t lancoln theatre and Feb. 3 week 
at Million Dollar theatre ; . . 'Page 
Cavanatigh 'Trio 'jwt for frontier 
Club, Denver, week of 'Bee; 12 . . . 
Elliot lAwrenee band into Kdge- 
water, Saa Francisco, tor tour .days 
Xnuwdays. I<awrence thea .plays one 
. niters in £l Paso and. Kansas City 
after which he plays the Tom Archer 
Iowa ' ballrooins . circuit ; . ^ Sddy 
Heywood frio playing Blackshear's 
Supper Club Jan. 29 to Feb. 15 and 
then into Billy Berg's Feb. M with 
Ella Fitzgerald and Vic Dickenson 
orch . . . Stan Kenton orchestra will 
play Carnegie Hall, VT. Y., concert 
Feb. 14 and night following at Bos- 



ton's Symphony Hall. On each book- 
ing KoDton will get straight 50-50 
.share of gross. Band, starts theatre 
trek afterwards, playing Adams, 
Newark, week ot Feb. 26; Hippo- 
drome, Bslto, Mai-ch 4; Howard, 
Wash-, March 12; Boyal, Balto, March 
19 . . . Count Basie orch; Meadow- 
brook Ballroom, Culver City , 

PtttsbuKfh 

Lee Kelton's WJAS stall band into 
Vogue Terrace for a run , . . New 
local unit, the Tone Toppers, at the 
Hollywood Show Bar is made up of 
David Carey, leader, vibes and 
piano; Frank Sharbo, guitar; Boss 
AiellOi accordion and Marjorie King, 
vocalist. She used to be- with Jimmy 
Spitalny's band ... Raymond Scott 
will return to Ankara on Dec. 15 to 
head his orch for the last three 
weeks of its run there. At ihe- same 
time, he'll bring bade Dorothy Col- 
lins as featured singer . . , Tommy 
Carlyn checks into Bill Green's 
again Dec. 29 . . . Sal La Perch, who. 
played trumpet for Tommy Dorsey 
and" Benny Goodman, now in Luke 
Riley's house- band at Casino theatre 
. . k Ciro Ri mac's band and unit into 
Bachelor's Club for an indeflnite stay 
next Wedne.sday (10) . . . ■Wayne 
Pascuzzi, drummer for Pittsburgh 
Symphony, doubles into Maurice 
Spitalny's dance out&t on special 
club dates and one-nite stands when 
the Symph isn't: in -action.^ 



«♦«♦♦♦♦♦ » ♦»♦«♦♦♦* » M » M I MM« » M »« MM »««**;; 




lUBXiitley-AFM 

E Contlmied' from paKcIs s 



consiider. ' Majestic, firstly, did . not 
-bank on denying the maestro's claims 
that it bad not lived up to produc- 
tion guai-antecs -as much as it did 
:on * oncrj ear. renewal of the orig- 
inal two-year agreement. Renewal, 
for the year beginning Jan. 28, 1948^ 
had, Ijeen «ignSd by McKinley in 
'exchange for an advance on royalty 
coin. Latter took the contract, which 
for an unexplained i%ason did not 
include any of the production guar- 
antee terms which featured the first 
pact,- and held it instead of filing it 
with .^FM. When McKinley gave the 
company the} required 30_ days' 
notice 'that he -was not going to re-> 
new, (be had -discovered Majestic 
hadnt filed.- the fenewal with -the 
1M?M> -'bccauae it -had not lived up- to 
the production guarantee of the -ftrst 
pact Majestic hurriedly -filed the 
renewal, which didn't include the 
term!!, with the AFM. Riccardf re- 
fused: to *ailow the renewal to enter 
into the case becau.se it had been 
improperly filed and judged the case 
An the inerittf of the terma qt the 
first agreeinent He frieased Mcr 
Kinley immediately, as per the leadi 
er's 30-day notice to - Musieraft, 
which had expired, 




The top 31 soiigs of the toeek, bastd on th« copilrijfJited Atidienca 
CovvTfige Index Suwy of Populor Miwic JBroad'cast Deer Bodio 
J»ettoorlos. PitWfffhed by tht Offivt of Research,. Inc., Dr. John G. 
Peatman. Director. 

Siprvey week *f NovembeMSMf, 1H7. 

Shapiro-B 



. . .Jefferson 
. . Crawford 

. .Morris 
. . . Oxford 
, .^Williamson 
., .Paramount 
. . . London 
, .Maurice 
. . . Supreme 

..Barton 
.. .Morris 
, . Paramount 
. . .Simon 

. Marthi 



-vAnd Mimi . .* . ^..i 

Ballei'ina .... 

Best Things Are Free— f'Good News" 

Civilization ,.. ........................ 

Don't You Love Me Anymore..,..;,,... • 

Gentleman Is a Dope— *<'AUe)j»:o" 

Golden Eanings— t'tiolden EarsinKs" 

Hills of Colorado •!»" i 

How Lucky You Are , . . ■ 

How Soon .......... ....i... 

1 Have But One Heart . . . ..... ■ 

1 Still Get Jealous-— *"High Button Shoes" 

1 Wish 1 Didn't Love You So— 1 "Perils Paulina' 

I'll Dance At Your Wedding , , . , 

Lady From 29 Palms ■' ■ ■ ' 

. . Littte Old Mill . Shapiro-B 

Love Is So Terrific ' ..Mellin 

My. How Time Goes By CMppell 

Near You Supreme 

Papa You Dance With Me— *"High Button Shoes";. ..Morris 

Pass the Peace Pipe— f'Good News" Crawford 

Serenade Of the Bella Melro-se 

So Far— •"^Allegro"' Williamson 

Stanley Steamer W*rrcn . 

The Stars Will 'Riemen>ber ; Barms / 

They're Mine, They're Mine,. They're Mine : . . Sinatra 

Too Fat PoUca Shapiro-B 

Two Loves Have:! . . . . . . . ; ..... ... , , .Miller 

What Are You Daing New Year's Eve ,. , ,', Flamous 

Whiilenpoof Song. , , Miller 

You Do— f 'Mother Wore Tights" BVC 



i 



The remaining 19 son0» of the week, based oi^ the copyrighted 
Audience Coverage Index Survey Vf Popular Mufic^raadcant Over 
Radio Netioorkt. Published by ihe Offi»«f Iteteaivb, Inc., Dr^ John 
' G. Peatman, Director 

Ain'tcba Ever Comin' Back : ...Sinatnt 

Almost Like Being In Love^*'%ittadoon" Sam Fox 

Fendin' And f itfhtin' Cbappell 

The Freedom Tetia , .-Berlin 

Forgiving You ...... . '. .....BMIlin 

Home Is Where the. ^art Is. ..........,,'>'.... . ...Advanced 

I'm Sorry I Didn't Say I'm Sorry. ............ . .. ..iShapiro-B 

It Happened In Ha^vaii ....Tl Itemick 

jKate ....... .. .;aerHn 

Kokomo, Ind.— t'^other Wore Tights" BVC 

Lazy Countryside— .t"Fun, And Fancy Free" ,S*iitly-Joy 

Let's Be Sweethearts Again ... ,..C-P 

Sincerely Y'ours ......i... tlxedk 

That's My Desire . . ; BBBs , 

There'll Be Som^ Changes Made ,. .. .Marks- 

Those Things Money Can't Buy Bobbins 

Why Should 1 Cry Over You . . . . Feist 

With a Hey and -a .Hi and a Ho Ho Ho... ,„ Bourne 

Zu Bi% ., Republic 

tFtlniMsicffll. •I«jjit Mwsical. ■. 



Contracted Dates 

Stan Kenton'« or<!hestra is in quite 



a'' ; pi^i'' di^^'';''^to'' 
'Bothv tKa vBaramotint-'.-t^ 
Ttotk, aiid; Frank Dafley'S M^adow- 
,,broQk, Cedar Grove, ,N. J^t want the 

M«Rinley'S original deal with the ^"'^ P^^"' 

company called for production dur- according to his contraet. '. - 
ing the first quarter of 200,000 disks, Kenton, currently at'tiie'Commo- 
graduatmg up to 750,000 annually dbre hotel, N. Y, where be closes 
during the second year of the pact. ! Dec. 21, is due to open for Dailey 
It was thought by GAC and the 



U. of Ariz. Pays f6,500 
For T«k Bfnelne Yet 



Tex Beneke orchestra will dear 
a sure. |9,S0ff al Ua end ^it- the V. of 
Arizona and 9,i tho same time the 
school is. taking no chances on'hav* 
ing to dig for. the huge sum. Music 
committee has. dev«I<qieil an idea 
which enables thm to .get top 
name bands without having to tax 
the college, fund. 

Arizona will use Beneke's crew 
for an afternoon ccmcert scaled at 
$'d.00 top, which assures .a gross of 

1,000, SO'ii of which goes to Beneke. 
Apparently attendance by students 
will be a local must. Dark houi-s 
call for the band at a fiat 13,500. 
Total takea. tor Beneke-^6,500. 
Total outlay to. the scltool-— $500, 
which figures to be covered by ball- 
room admissions. 



PAUL WHITCMAN. AUTHOR 



HeraiUafe- Vress Briagini; Out Hfs 
Boak «■ Ttetordi tor MIMions' 

Paul Whlteman, who's had more 
than 29 years of close .association 
with the recording industry, has au- 
thored « guide to record buying and 
collecting for i>Ieasure. Tagged ' 
"Records for the Millions," book is 
marked forr- spring publication by 
Hermitagf; Press, The bandleader* 
4isk jockey cited- trade estimates in 
declaring that "more then 10,000,080 
people>>wiU buy new record play- 
<ers in -the- next couple of years; 

If industry forecasts prove 
curate 'Whiteman should find a lu< 
ei«tive market for his book that 
certainly won't be lacking in po< 
tentiality. Contents of the voliune 
will be devoted to the technique of 
record making,' his own experiences 
in the disk Held, plus catalogs of 
disk jockey selections, classical ra< 
dio favorites, -etc. His own platter 
collection, incidentally, is scheduled' 
to be presented' to the Paul White-' 
man Room at WiUiams Collcfie. 



A >llMHitM«1 Soas'lKf 

iiiliiiifiiiiN^it^^ 

fliaMl for Ckto^ltat'aitaiar CAV 

mc .nmncMMHf teiii6:.«(k. 

, ; New ■ym* . 
CMl FISCHER, hK.. N. Y. C.-JaMnr 



leader's attorneys, «t the start of 
the case, that the production ;guaran- 
tef clause .called tnr the disks to. -be' 
sold, or McKinley to be paid royal- 
ties -equal to the figure fn cash. This 
proved to be untrue. Wordage of 
the pact was later ascertained to 
call for the disks to 'be pressed and 
sold or JUEiSi^nli^ could cancel re^ 
:gardless'of w4l«t^ Majestic wanted 
to pay him tor -them or jaot. 



the following day (22) for -nine days, 
then moving- into tiie Paramount 
Dec. 31. However, thf -Paramount 
wants to- move the band's -opening- 
date up a - week' to the 24th. Dailey 
won't give him up after seeing the 
business Kenton is doing at the 
Commodore. Dailey has had his 
contract lor gome time. The Par 
deal' originally was to have begun 
Jan. 7 but had already heen moved 
ahead one week, , ■ 



BifkJtftteasing: } 

as (iontinned from pat* W aaSa- 

created after Jan. 1 if major diskers 
indiscriminately set their own re- 
lease dates On recorded tunes stocked 
as far ahead in a few cases as 1949. 
Of course, it's granted by roost 6ub- '[ 
Ushers that jumping tlte gun en « ' 
particular disking means nothing— : 
unless that version becomes an over- I 
night hit, which rarely occurs. Major- ' 
ity of diskings remain dormant no | 
matter how far in advance they're ' 
released until -publishers apply con- 
centcated exploitation effort to the 
tune its*lf. They 'know this, and so 
.do all the recordix«g companies; still, 
these evenia stir up' coniSderable 
controversy when they occur. 



Maxint Andrews of Andrews Sis- 
ters is on crutches with broken toe 

suS«a«d in laH from a horse.. £un* 
day (30). ' 



iA€IC Mills 
suMisn TOR vom rao«kAM 

THAT YOOmE IN 
Um WITH ME 

|i||fil»'iy.v-«'«. ' 

MIUS 



mrt YOU 

LOVE ME 
AHTHOBE 



OXFORD MUSIC 
IMf •'w#y, Hvw y«rk 



I'LL 



GEORGE SIMON, Inc. 

prtmlly .frvMiils 




AT YOUR WEDDING 



By im Ooklomi-Htili Magidson 



Til* ^1MI*wTiii r«G«rdki 1mv» bMR ralawMit 

VIC DAMONE (M*r«ury) I 
BUDDY CLAXK-RAY NOBLE (Columbia) 
.^FLASH a THE WHISTLER (Univonal) 
GUY lOMBARDO (Ziy) - MAT BRANDWYNNE (W«H<I) ~ MINDY CARSON (Asspc.) - SUNSET TRIO (C«p) 



TONY MARTIN (Victor) 
HELEN.fOmiEST (M.G.M.) 



PEGOY lEE (C«|ritot) 
JEANIE tElTT j(DKca) 



To our frIoiMit: Tlioiiln for holfiiiif m to moko "NAUGHTY AHGILINi" • Hit! 
Wo koooftly oxpoct thof. with yoor liol^i "I'U DANCE AT YOUR WIDDI NG" wlH obo oHoIr tho h»l^^ 



HARRY SANTiY 
Ulf Broo^oy. Now York If 



GEORGE SIMON, INC. 



ISM 



S»NIY GOLBSIf IN 



VAITDBVnULB 



49 



SHEVEY FIRED AS AG VA CHIEF 



1^, Y. Agencies Eyeing Ai^entine 
As New Outlet for U. S. Talent 



Taleirt agencies are looking at- - 
Argentina as a large potential per- 
former Aarket. All surveys of that 
country, including that of Jules C. 
Stein, head oX Music Corp. of Amer- 
ica, indicates that the possibilities 
for American talent there are still 
to be tapped. 

As a consequence the parade for 
American representation in Argen- 
tina' has already started. Latest to 
get an. Argentinian rep; is Jerry 
Rosen, who has completed arrange? 
ments with William Fromer, a 
Buenos Aires agent, as Argentinian 
contact, The Mark Leddy office has 
also established a B.A. outlet. 

General idea now is to establish a 
route starting with Cuba where the 
Gran Casino Nacional and the Cam- 
poamor theatre are the major out- 
lets, thence to the Hotel Juaragua, 
Ciudad de Trujillo, in the Dominican 
Bepublic, or the various Panamaniati 
niteries, and unless new territory is 
opened, acts will then make the long 
hop by air to Argentina. • 

Agencies declare that the spade 
work for U, S. talent has already 
been done by Hollywood films, which 
are extremely popular in that terri- 
tory. ^ American talent also proved 
its value at the various casinos in 
Rto de Janeiro. 



Orsttle Fields has been booked for 
the Flamingo, Las Vegas, starting 
Dec. 24. 




Lovely 
Lady 

of 
Song 



JANE 

JOHNSON 



Joe Laurie, Jr. 

tell* 



**A Great Act That 
Never Took an 
Etuiore" 

' in 

42d Annivertary JSumber 
Out Soon 



Ask Dismissal 
Of Framan Suit 



Dismissal of the Jane Froman 
$1,000,000 damage suit is sought by 
Pan-American Airways, according to 
a motion for Summary judgment 
filed in New York . supreme court 
last AveeH, ' 

Pan-American claims that under 
provisions of the international treaty 
of 1929, known as the "Warsaw con- 
vention," damages for injuries are 
limited to a little over $8,000. Air- 
ways' also bases ^ts motion for dis- 
missal on provisions of the contract 
for transportation which limits dam- 
ages to the same' amount. 

The singer is suing for ;the $1,000,- 
000 damages for injuries sustained 
as a result of the crash of the Yankee- 
Clipper,' near Lisbon, Portugal, on 
Feb. -22, 19.43. She claims that the 
plane was carelessly handled by Pan- 
American employees: . Donald Boss, 
the singer's husband, is suing for 
$100,000 for hospital expenses. 

Lorraine Eognan, comedienne, and 
'Gypsy Markoff, injured in the same 
crash also have damage actions 
pending against Pan-American in 
New York federal court. • 




[' PQIJIIO Ink Spots Back to Gale Agmcy 



IN 4A'S INOUIRY 

Matt Shelvey was dismissed as 
national administrator of the Amer- 
ican Guild of Variety Artists on 
Monday (1) by a unanimous vote of 
the board of the Associated Actors 
and Artistes of America. The action 
was : taken at a special meeting. 
Shelvey was charged with issuing 
"unauthorized directives and orders 
and sabotaging the work of the na-- 
tional board of AGVA." He was 
voted severance pay up to Dec, 20. 

Shelvey's axing came a little more 
than a week after he had asked for 
and received a sick leave to consist 
of a minimum of four weeks. In the 
interim, the committee learned that 
he had allegedly gone to Chicago to 
contact various AGVA representa- 
tives though he had presented medi- 
cal affidavits to the 4A's that he 
was unable for the time being to 
carry out his duties. Shelvey had 
told the committee he planned -to go 
to his Ventnor, N. J.^ home for. a 
complete rest. 

Decision to fire Shelvey was ar- 
rived at during Friday's (28) meet- 
ing of the national AGVA commit- 
tee which was set up to administer 
AGVA during ' Shelvey's absence. 
Committee,, consisting of Hyman R. 
Faine, executive secretary of the 
American Guild of Musical Artists; 
Florence Marston, N. Y. executive 
.(Contmued on page 47) 



AmerbM^t 
Foremost 
Marimhist 



GEORGE I 



aOEST 

New Sork Hen.: KDniK SMITH AGENCT 
Chicuco Jieli.: I'lIIT. TYKUKI.I^ . 



Russell for N. Y. Par 

After Totisilectomy 

Andy Russell has been bought by 
the Paramount theatre. New York, 
opening either Jan. 14 or 21 with 
Jerry Wald's orchestra. Date will 
be Russell's first following a tonsil 
operation, which 'will be performed 
on the Coast within the next two 
weeks.' ' , ■) ^ 

Russell completed a date -'t^t the 
Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J., 
Saturday (29) night and flew west 
immediately for a disking session 
with Capitol, with the hospital date 
following. He was bothered con- 
siderably during recent theatre tour 
with Martha Hilton and Dick Wes- 
son, part of his unit, by a bad throat. 



Under New Long Term Pact 



Performers Lose Costumes 
In Toledo Nitery Fire 

Toledo, Dec. 2. 

Fire destroyed the mtenor of Ka- 
See's nitery early Friday (28) morn- 
ing, causing $30,000 damage to the 
spot, which had been renovated this 
year. Blaze was believed caused by 
a discarded cigareti . 

Included* in the :loss were : the 
wardrobes of six entertainers. Kay 
Ho wardj, . singer, reported loss of 
wardrobe valued at $2,000, l>esides 
her music. The' spot is owned by 
K. C. Rokicki, Jr., Doris Rokicki, 
and David .Rokicki. Loss was par- 
tially insured, and repairs will be 
started at. once to reopen the club by 
Christmas. 



Ca"*' 



iilW 



CO 



r. 



p.i»on<!' ""f, B way- 



Gowns by 
ERNESTO 

FAYE AND ANDRE 
LOVE THOSE STYLES 
154 W. 4«th St.. N*w Yorii, N. Y. 



Abe Lyman Ex«Bandleader, 
Named Yaude Booker 
Of Fox, St. Louis 

St. Louis, Dec. 2. 

Abe Lyman, the bandleader has 
turned theatre booker. Lyman has 
been made- exclusive talent buyer 
for the Fox theatre, St. Louis, which 
goes into a stageshow policy Jan, 8 
with a name band and name acts 
policy. He's already notified talent 
agencies to make stibmissions. Open- 
ing show hasn't been set'yet.,. 

The Fox theatre, operated by the 
Skouras interests, is the largest 
house in the city, 'having a 5,000 
capacity. Opening. of this house to 
talent will mark the first time that 
St. Louis will have a stageshow pol- 
icy on a regular basis. Fanchon & 
Marco several years* ago booked 
stageshows into house on a spot 
basis. Around six years ago, Kay 
Kyser took out $14,000 for -one w6ek 
on a 50-50 basis. 

Lyman hasn't been batoning for 
several years now. He broke up his 
band several years ago, and at one 
time formed a film producing unit 
with Maurice Duke, However, the 
firm was unable to get started be- 
cause of the difficulty in securing 
studio space at that time, 

There's the chance that Lyman 
will pick up his baton for sporadic 
showings at the Fox. 



Sol Tepper-MCA 
Settle Dilute 

Settlement was affected last week 
between Music Corp. of America and 
Sol Tepper, agent, over commissions 
arising from the booking of Martha 
Tilton at the Club. Charles, Balti- 
more, last year, with Tepper's return 
of half the 5% booking fee on the 
deal. 

Dispute arose ^when tbe Club 
Charles deducted' 5% commissions 
from Miss Tilton's salary and for- 
warded it to Tepper, who is exclu- 
sive booker of the spot. MCA sub- 
seque*tly protested that it doesn't 
permit booking deductions from any 
of its clients, However, Tepper de- 
clared that the Club Charles was 
following standard practice and be- 
sides, the contract didn't mention 
that the booking was liet. 

After length discussions, a com- 
promise was reached whereby Tep- 
per could retain half of the fee. 

Miss Tilton was in the spot for 
two weeks at $1,250 weekly. As a 
result of the settlement, a return 
date is being negotiated for her at 
the Charles. 



The Gale Agency and the Ink 
Spots, who went through a bitter 
court fight two years ago over the 
latters' successful try to break its 
contractual hold 'on them, are back 
together. The agency signed the 
Spots to a new term agenting deal 
lat^ last week and picks them up folr 
lowing the Strand theatre,' N. Y., 
date they'll, play over the coming 
holidays. 

Shifts of the Spots back to Gale 
from the Unyrersal agency, set up 
by Harry Lenetska and Ben Barton 
following the exit of the pair froin 
Gale's employ is apparently due in ' 
some measure to the fiasco the quaro 
tet ran into during its recent Eng- 
land bookings. On those dates, the 
group ran into consistent difficulties 
over money, and finally quit the tour - 
altogether and returned to this coun- 
try. 

Universal's hold on the Spots 
exists until the Strand run 'and for 
this reason Gale doesn't begin book- 
ing them anew until then, Letter's 
contract, howeve'j:, was .effective as 
of last Friiday (28).- There's another 
date at the Latin Quarter, Boston, 
set for Feb. 1, which . Universal is 
supposed to have : set; it's not in- 
cluded in Gale's new itinerary for , 
the quartet. Dick Henry, of the 
William . Morris office, booked ' for 
the LQ. . 



Mack Triplets repla<!ed Nancy 
Donovan at the Harem;' N. Y., last- 
week when latter stepped out be- 
cause of- illness. 



COWNS B'V. Elt^ESTO 




HEE^EandHOWARQ 

2 WEERS . 
CONCERT TOUK 

Dir.: MATTV ROSEN 



LAUGHING-STOCK! 

Something Ni»w in Cooitdy Material 
lor M.C.'t, Acts, and Disc Jocks 

Uughlns-Stoik Seriei I U Sy,.....>-.$l'<». 
Rapid Fin RoutlnM (D«ubt«>ri to 3..t2 M. 

Mut«r MtMlogiiti I It *• •■x • ■ ■ >>? <>^ 

Hill •nd Bits r 1« } T %t tt. 

' ''SAW' PEfiRY '' - 



Holidays Repeat Date 

Toleda, O., Dec. 2. 

Smashing all records for sellout 
performances for 11 days at Toledo's 
new million-dollar Sports Arena, 
"Holiday on Ice," skating revue, is 
returing here for another five days, 
Dec. 27-31, to accommodate those 
turned away on previous run. 

More than 80,000 saw the show, 
with seats rangmg from $1.50 lo $3 



1) wfww'*. <B«»»,*w««^-*»s«y<'- 



BOB EVANS 



AND 



JERRY aiEARY 




Paramount, M. IT. 

Bob Evans comes through with 
notr only an exhibition of standout 
ventrlloquial skill but a downright 
funny act. Evans has this advan- 
tage over his coafrbres; he isn't 
content to fall back on a rapid 
crossfire of "fresh kid" jokes but 
he works for distinctive toiiches of 
voice nuance and character. His 
knack for timing is also a darb. 
Evans' technique has all the ear- 
marks of a perfectionist, and if he 
doesn't look out they'll be referring 
to him as a ventriloquist's ventrilo- 
quist. He goes over handsomely 
here. ' 

■'■' Odeft' 



BILLBOARD 

Bob Eiram Bright Sp«t 

Bob Evans, working with his 
dummy, was one of the bright spots 
on the bill. . . . with band lieckling 
bits and back talk by the dummy, 
Sellmg was so smooth that practi- 
cally every minute Evans was on 
was good for anything from titters 
to yocks. At one time, the dummy 
lost his shoe, and Evans's ad lib was 
so glib he should keep it in his act. 

Pmoml MoRcisemMt EZ KEOUGH 203 N. Wflbosh AvciiiM, Chicago. IIL 



46 



Weiine»fhy» thtnetiAii^. 8, 1947 



m Cinb Reviews 



Carnival, N. Y. 

Georoe Jessel, Xnba Mttiimi, Elsa 
& Waido, Graham Sisters (2), Roy 
Jacqucmot & CHarles Irwin, Line; 
presented hy Nicl(y BWr; devised 
and staged 1)2/ Jolw Murraj/ Ander- 
son; costumes, Thonias Becher; songs, 
Henry Sullivan and Ira Leff; settings, 
Herman Rose; dunces, Richard Bar-' 
stoio; technical director, Bernard 
S-usman; Charles Blackman orch and 
Cao's Rhumba Band; orchestmtiomB, 
James Toliuer; $3.50 minimum. 



"When waiters stop serving, to 
watch open-mouthed, a performer 
isn't likely to have anything to 
worry about. It's probably the best 
test of his entertainment value. 
Now you know why. you had to 
wait a half-hour between drinks 
Friday night (28) at the Carnival 
Opening' of George Jessel. ■ . 

Friday was one of ttiose memo- 
rable evenings. There aren't many 
times when Broadway ,win turn out 
as it did for Jessel in Kls first local 
engagement in years. And he threw 
the book at them. He could have 
sold "anything. He could even have 
sold Hussion real estate to Frank 
Fay. 

On in thrfee different spots, the 
vet comedian undouWecBy gave a 
performance that he. wouldn't re- 
peat, generally, for the' rest of his 
engagement. For this was an open- 
ing^night mob of Broadwayites, who 
spoke bis language and- \)ndcrstood 
his every quip, his every "inside." 
A3Et6r the preem it was to be Engle- 



USe TMCSe INEXPCNSfVCN 

PERSONALIZED— I 
r-POSTAL CARDS 

FOR YOUR FAN MAIL 

Tou geC true photosrapMc repnxlnr J 
iioutt in our bladt-HJid-whitft '*(31<^ss^ 
TOM'" Postal Ciu-rta quolea l»e)o*. : 
Delivery (rom 4 to $ wteltt. Ml wev 
need ia your photO' . ' 

NEW.'/. .ItEPJUNT 

T,0QO .... 410.50 P«rM $7.30 fiaHW::; 

2,000' > . . . . isaft M ' MS p*r M , 

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to the total cost of otcler Wparatrvayli 
gia* tlesU-ed £or the a(l<lresf^.«lde ot cavd^ 
;iiot ttt exceed Bfty -woraK". •.( 
oF. O. B. Vurt tr»3raej Imt. 

Witl* t«» fn* SompiM-tla Obligation 



i^rriDtiiigi^p, 

.FORT VTAYNE 2, INDIANA—.. 



mUHEDY PATTER 

Fm; ah IraKim ^f 11i*«lrie«U 

. ;1FUN-M ASTIR" 
'Ikd Sftmr Hag Kl«" 
Noc 1 h»t2 # $1.«» M. 
m fer $11,00) 

10 PARODIES for $5.^ 
"How fo an Cmecc" 

4M.00 laeliKlinir t ft09 Rlw 

atma -for Jlsf of mnterliM, vairmlirs, 
eomcay wniEs, mlngrtrel |>it8 — Matjc- 
wrttt vklta, et«. 

KO C.O.D'« 

. PAULA SMITH 

m W. Sllh St., Ncm ■ Tork 19 



wood, Larchmont, Freeport and the 
Bronx— they would be the ones to 
fill the till. And will. But opening 
night was a "special" for "the mob."- 
Premiere night saw Jessel's per- 
formance recall nostalgically the 
passing of the monologist, once a 
key talent but one -who has now 
long since packed his word kit and 
gone on. He was sentimental in his 
memories, even emotionally oveiv 
whelmed at times by those memories. 
Especially when he spoke of his 
mother and Jimmy Walker, and if 
this sounded corny, sure it was 
corny, but there wasn't anyone at 
Nicky Blair's joint who didn't ac- 
cept it for an honest emotion. They 
listened quietly, intently to a story 
they knew as well as Jessel himself 
— *of Gus Edwards days, his career 
as a songwriter, his mom, Walker, 
"The Jazz Singer" and, finally, his 
more recent career as a film pro- 
ducer for 20th-Fo3t. AJl sentimental 
stuflF that only he, and perhaps only 
one or two others, could get away 
with in a bistro, or anywhere for 
that matter. And all shrewdly told, 
punctuated by a sense of gentle 
humor just when it seemed as if he 
was getting a little too sticky. And 
all readily accepted, as if it were 
new all over again. 

Imagine reprising: th« Hebrew 
prayer-chant, "Kol Nidre" (which 
he did originally in "Jazz Singer"), 
in a saloon and yet never for a mo- 
ment allowing it to lose its austerity 
and an audience respect for its im- 
plications! Imagine baring his own 
human, perhaps even einbarrassing, 
frailties in a public performance, 
and yet never. once permitting this 
audience to feel that all the corn- 
husking isn't clone in Nebraska! Im- 
agine not giving a damn that the 
waiter is more than a halt-hour late 
with your drink because^ after all, 
on stage is a little guy who makes 
everything but what he says seem 
so unimportant! 

For uproarious humor Jessel, iii 
his third spot, does his by-now. 
standard "Professor Larbermacher" 
routine, in which, as' a near-sighted 
refugee scientist, getup 'n' aU, he 
tickles the risibles in what on open- 
ing night was an abbreviated rou- 
tine because of the extreme length 
of the show. ' 
.If there seems to be a neglect for 
the rest of the bill, it'trnot because of 
any special lacK of appreciation for 
its ability; It's jUst that there is so 
much of Jtss^ «onietiody faw to 
suffer... - ■ 

Elsa & Waldo, comedy dance" 
team, ' are hilariously funny with 
their slow-motion staff and con- 
torted kissers, but they're on too 
long by several, minutes. 

tiuba .Malina is somewhat- out of 
place in, this, show, thou^ certainly 
not out'of place anatomically. Miss 
Malina is a lassie with a chassis, 
and with a flair for low-cut gowns, 
her beaut looks. and disturbing der- 
riere, who's listening? This is too 
<big a. stage for her to hold alone in 
^, son{[ performance that 'demands a 
more intime background. . 
J The Graham sisters (2) are lookers 
who sing nicely in^ the production 
numbers, as do Ray Jacquemot and 
Charles Irwin, who also do well in 
their brief spots. • ' ■ ' 

John Murray Anderson calls this 
"The New Look Revue." and he's 
staged it expertly,^aB is usual with 
aU. his shows; thergirls are nifties, 
the costumes (by Thomas Becher) 
colorful' and designed to !*ow off 
the gals, with the songs by Henry 
Sullivan and Ira Left being pleas- 
antly tuneful. Richard Barstow has 
done a neat' job of st^ng the 
dances, and Charles Blackman 
batons the show well. 

But this is Jessel's show. And 
who cared about that drink ^y? 

Kahn. 



Lanv Adler with John Clayton; 
Joan Metrni, Abbey Albert Orch, 
Ed Han Quintet; $3-60 minimum, 

Those habitual nitcry addicts who 
seemingly, know that pre-Christmas 
biz at the boites is supposed to- be 
oilish will "find plenty of masterful 
entertainment at Barney Josephson's 
Cafe Society Uptown. Josephson has 
pulled a neat stnnt in booking Larry 
Adler into the club, at this time. His 
name is always a good d^aw and his 
emphasis on the longhair material 
^dds a- nice iy:e-hoUday touch. In 
additipn, songstress Joan Morrill of-; 
fers sock entertainment as the only 
other performer on the bill, 

Crowd tiras a little noisy the night 
caught (26) but Adlier quieted them 
almost as soon as he stepped under 
the spotlight — though he played only 
three 'pops ttrhong his eight selec- 
tions. Best . of the classics is the 
Roumanian Rhapsody and a Mozart 
oboe quartet, which he's adapted for 
harmonica and piano. Pop tunes, in- 
cluding "It Ain't Necessarily- So," 
"When Day Is Done" and an origi- 
nal, "Hand to Mouth Boogie" are 
tops. John Clayton furnishes stand- 
out accompaniment at tiie piano. 

Miss; Merrill, attroctive as ever, 
has a tendency to overdramatize her 
gestures, thereby drawing: too much 
attention to them. She sells her ma- 
terial well, nonetheless, and her 
"How Did He Look?" is a standout 
example of modern torch numbers. 
Her medium-pitched voice, coupled 
with good . phrasing and shading 
knowhow, is- well-suited to the bal- 
lads she offers, including such tunes 
as V(3ientleman Is a Dope," "Man I 
Love" (to which she oilers a novel 
treatment via a traveling, mike) and 
some . special lyrics to *'Summe<c- 
time." Encore, "S?nd Me a Man," is 
partially spoiled by her over-emot- 
ing, sua. 



AlayJair Ro«m, Clti 

(BLACKSTONE laO'TEI,} 

CMeago, Nov. 28. 
llona Moasey, GUberto Xsais, Ray 
*forton Orch (8); Cover )fl, $3.50 
minimum. • 



The current show at the Mayfair 
is an hour of music for concert and 
operetta lovers. Whether or not it 
is an hour of enjoyment for bistro 
inhabitants is a moot matter. To 
Ilona Massey's credit, however, is 
the fact that almost 300 people 
braved a snowstorm to hear the 
honey-blonde ^ soprano on opening 
night. 

Gilberto Isais is making his first 
appearabce in niteries, and the 
young Mexican composer projects a 
fine musical background. His pro- 
gramming, however, is a bit faulty, 
in that he does two fairly slow 
numbers, Rachmaninoif 's "Concerto; 
in C Minor" and "Clair de Lune," 
before exhibiting/the rapid fingering 
on "Fire Dance." Crowd's attention, 
might be held better by replacing 
one of the slow numbers with a 
faster item. : 

.■ Miss. Massey -in. her first local 
nitery appearance has a sock act. 
Singer, is gowned in a silver and 
white creation and. her natural 
coloring Is Wghtened by a jeweled 
hairband. Obviously nervous," ghe 
picked up the beat of "Zing, Zing"' 
to receive neat returns. Her next 
number, "Cherie Je T'Aime" 
("Cherie, 1 Love You"), though well 
done, could be replaced by something 
in the semi-comic vein. t. 

Soprano turns on tuU color of her 
voice in "What Is This Thing Called 
Love" and ''Jealousy." Follows with 
the Hungarian standard, "I Brought 
You Lily Flowers," and then the 
title tune from the picture, "Bala- 
laika," for additional salvos. Encores' 
with' another Hun.Barian song and 
closes wjthi Spanish version of 
"Witiiout You." Zabe. 




lNonn»lndi« float, M oni'l 

MmHreal. Nov. 28. 
DtiTce Alden Puppets, Harold Barry 
& Co. (5), Neil Golden Orch; cover 
$1 weekdayi, $U0 Saturdays. 

1 Duke Alden is a smart puppeteer. 
His handling of dolls shows dexterity. 
He also deepens the general presen- 
tation with superior lightinig and 
sparkling 'ebsturaing of puppets. 
Starts off with "Tabby-the Cat," 
jitterbug that dances tinder phos- 
phorescent lights for a very neat 
effect.: Follows' with "Carmensita 
Banana,-" who dances not only on 
her own little stage but also does 
table hopping. The latter is Some- 
what different and gives a chance to 
audience to see Alden's work at 
close range. 

Harold Barry sings, dances and 
emcees, aided by five dancing girls 
and joining them for "MacNamara's: 
Band." Barry's outstanding talent is 
dancing and he is- a treat to watch 
when he does bis version of a jitter- 
bug or his slow dancing impression 
ot Ted Lewis. 

On opening show, when Alden 
missed performance. Barry and*gals 
had to do the whole show and in- 
troduced an agreeable ensemble on 
the theme "A Pretty Girl Is Like a 
Melody" with each girl representing 
»n nice costumes the songs, done by 
Barry in background, "Irene." "Do- 
lores," "Louise," "Rosalie" and 
"Margie." Nice but not enough 

choreography to take the number 
away from a slight reminder of bur- 
lesque groupinp:. Weil Golden's Orch 
backs show capably. Mrtrts' 



NewAets 



PETEE LIND HATES ft MARY 

HEALY 
Comedy 
65 JHlBS. . 

Copaeabalu, N. Y. . '* 

Peter Lind Hayes' repeat stand at 
Monte Proser's Copacabana jserves 
to strengthen the terrific impress 'he 
made on his initial visit here- With 
his tremendous talent he's now right 
up there alongside the top boite en- 
tertainers. Hayes' comedlc value is.) 
accentuated by the Mary Healy, who 
is able to delineate a "show of artistry 
on , par with that ot- her talented 
husband. : 

Hayes' premiere was delayed a 
week beeau.se of his illness, during 
which time his mother, Grace Hayes, 
one of the top performers in vaude's 
heyday, filled in along with others. 
However, the delay was no draw- 
back to the gala opening. Holly- 
woodites, and virtually every cafe 
comic who could make it, showed up. 

Hayes is doing some familiar 
items, such as his impressions of 
celebs, for his throwaways, to get 
started before going into his new 
portrait collection. Among the fresh 
items are his impressions of an 
Irish tenor, a Gallic chanteur and a 
Negro quartet. He retains the 
Punchy Callahan impression, a. gem: 
of gentle humor. 

Mary Healy (Mrs. Hayes) provides 
a valuable assist in several of his 
numbers, Her takeoff on Hildegarde 
is virutally a caricature of the chan- 
toosey, with her husband ai^sting as 
a midwesterner brought out on the: 
floor. Miss Healy also delivers a 
song delineatiqn on "How Sweet 
You Are," lylth Hayes supplying an 
offstage voice depicting a youthful 
swain. ,■, , ■ 

Perhaps one of the more colorful 
aspects of the ' preem show came 
after Hayes' regular tuni, 'whe(<i Van 
Heflin came on the fiodr to do a bit', 
and Grace Hayes showed that she 
still knows how to entertain solidly 
with her dissertation oh, showbusi- 
ness. Withal, the Copa- session inteU'', 
sifies the prevailmg belief that 
Hayes has just about everything a 
performer needs. 

Surrounding Hayes is the usual 
capable support, including Blair and 
Dean, a pair of flyweight bailroom- 
ers with a cute set of routines that 
xvin applause with tasteful tricks 
and fetching dance designs. 

Jet MacDonald and Bay^Amet do 
the production songs and dance 
work capably. DanCe and show 
music -is by' Michael Durso and 
Fernando Alvarez, while the Doug- 
las Coudy production and line jnoake 
for a diversified and «ntertaining 
display. Jose. 

DAN DXILEY ' 
Sracst Dsnclnf > 

14 mm. 
Boxy, N. Y., . 

As he emphasizes repeatedly dur- 
ing the act, Dan Dailey's current 
personal at the Boxy, N, Y., is a 
symbolic achievement for him, as he 
was in the dancing chorus at the 
house several year.1 ago. Only re-, 
cently in pictures, as Betty Grabfe's 
leading man in "Mother Wore 
Tights" and opposite Jeanne Grain 
in "You Were Meant for Me," he's 
next assigned^ to the' remake of 
"Burlesque," also with Miss Grable." 

For his current act, Dailey sticks 
to numbers from his two recent pic- 
tures, adding seemingly (extempora- 
neous exjglanations and personal an- 
ecdotes. The numbers themselves 'are 
only moderately impressive, as 
Dailey doesn't demonstrate any 
gr«at impact as a singer or remark- 
able dancing proficiency. However, 
ne piakes a pleasant appearance and' 
has^fl distinctly likeable personality 
and manner. Except for. his mild film 
name he doesn't impress, as a par- 
ticularly strong vaude or nitery act. 



M Sju^ests musical comedy (and. 
01 course, fllmustcal) potentialities. 
In the traditional song-and-danca 

man's wide-brimmed skimmer, and 
with the inevitable cane, Dailey 
opens with a lively vocal of "New 
"Xork Is My Home Town." He then 
reminisces about bis days at tha 
Boxy and in vaude, ihcliiding a 
story of how he got the then-un- 
heSrd-of Van Johnson to replace 
him in the Roxy line. He then sings 
and dances "You Do," from the pici- 
,ture, "Tights," and in . with othey 
anecdotal introductions offers "Ko- 
komp, Indiana," from the same film, 
and 'the .title song from "You 'Were 
Meant for Me." For the last number 
he brings on Audrey Wood (doubt- 
le.ss uo relation to the play agent) 
from the -house chorus as his .silent 
vis-a-vis. Ifobe. 

Texas Honors Mex Trouper 

, : Mexico City, Dec. 2. . 
Virginia Fabregas, Mexico's Sarah 
Bernhardt, 55 years a trouper who 
has been honored by , the Mexican 
government and private organiza- 
tions, is now an honorary citizen ot 
the state of Texas, She became that 
at a simple ceremony at the U. S. 
embassy here, Nov. 25, when Am- 
bassador Walter Thurston gave the 
vet dramatic actress a parchment 
signed by Go'y. Beauford Jester. 



A SINGIN' ACT 

THAT REAUY JUMPS! 
For Example Sine* Augiui; 

CLUI NORMAN. TORONTO. ONT. 
STORK CLUt. COUNCIL liUFFS 
COUEftC INN. CHiCAftO . 
CUIifKOHTIGR, OCNVER 
MCntOrOLITAN, SEAtrU 
SrOKAHE CITY CLUI, SPOKANE 
CAVE CLU1« VANCOUVER. B. C. 
6OL0CN 6ATE. SAN FRANCISCO 
NICOLLET MOTEL. MINNEAPOLIS 
RKO.KEITH ROSTON, ROSTON 
KAJAK THEATRE. RiADiN», PA. 

HI, LO, JACK 
T DAME 

NOW-~Untii DM«mb«r 13th 
WII.PEIIttH0TEL.PimBIIR6lt 

BOt KERR. RNO RMr., Naw York 



MIRIAM 
SEABOLD 

CMrrMlif— Nw*. T7-3a 

Marry <S« Reiind • 
YoKMgffvwii, Ohftt 

Dm. 1.-14 

Wm. Penn Hotel, 
Pittsburgh 

ParimiMirt' IMnttt: 1221 Oakby fkau 
Si. Uuh, M*. 



iiiilitivAii 

CURRENTLY 
LE RUBAN BLEU, N«w Ydik 
RADIO: Sundays, 3-3:15 P.M., WNEW 

,TOS£FU HSBSOItAins DirtCliMt 

SiiSSal?" MUSIC CORP., 0»AM«ICA 




pod Illg 



. "Tfta Amtrkau Rhmnba King" 
A pMiMdbMr MMttro Who Knows Tempo and R«Mrtolra for 
DiMriniMrtiR9 PMpI* 

.^^ Woks—Nicky Blair's Carnival 
1M Wodis— Riily Rosa's Diamond.^ Horsaskoa 



JEAN ROSE 



4S W«ti'4iiii Sr.. N. r. 



BR.9-2030 



*fr«^e«d«yi Decemlwr 8, 1947 



VAUBBVUAB 



Gncy Joining 
Araia Grcnit 

Cincinnati, Dec. 2. 

Clncy joins the arena circuit in 
the spring of 1649 with opening ot a 
modern 15,000-seat sports and indoor 
show garden, worlt on which gets 
under way this week. Project»is 
baclced by a closed group, Cincinnati 
Gardens, Inc., headed by Charles 
lawyer, local financier and XT. S. 
Ambassador to Belgium after World 
War II, with associates including the 
Jacobs. Bros., linked with Sonja 
Henie's ice shows. / 

Enterprise has a franchise in the 
American Hockey League. Frank 
£elke, now manager of the Montreal 
Canadiens hookey team, has been 
•igncd as general manager of the 
arena and hockey team. 

Site for the arena is a 36-acre tract 
on Seymour avenue near Langdon 
Farm road, a suburban locality near 
the center of Cincy population. 

Wanger Vice Walters As 
Produeer at N.Y. Harem 

Wally Wanger has been named 
production manager of the Harem, 
N. Y, He'll assume production chores 
formerly handled by Lou Walters, 
former co-owner of the Harem with 
Nat Harris, who stepped out in order 
to devote full time to the Latin 
Quarter, N. Y. 

The Harem has booked the Chan- 
dra Kaly dancers smarting Jan. 2S 
io succeed the Jack Cole dancers. 



■mi 



Martha, Bnye'c rMUy Bxte 

Martha Raye has been signed for 
the Latin Casino. Philadelphia, for 
• February date. 



STOOGES 



■ ■ ■ 
CMnrMlW 

ADAMS THEATRE ^ 
M«wark.N«wJ«rwy 

HARRY A. ROMM 



HARRY A. ROMM 




FLORENCE 

WHITE 



The Risque Frisky 
t2lid WMk Mwmaid Room 
Park Central Hotel, New York 
JANE DOUGLASS at the Piano 



REELECT ZWICKER PREZ 
OF PHILLY AGENTS ASSN. 

Philadelphia, Sec. 2. 

Edward C. Zwicljer, veteran 
booker, has been reelected prexy of 
the Entertainment Managers Asso- 
ciation of Pennsylvaniai Other of- 
ficers are James V. Loughran, vee- 
pee; Harry J. Bitter, second veepee; 
Joel Charles, secretary-treasurer, 

Elected to one-year terms on the 
board of directors were Earl J. Ball, 
Eddie Mack, Fred Siegler and James 
Smith. New members admitted were 
Lou Schleifer, Julian Hall, Harry 
Dobbs, Iggie Rait and Bill Jaffe. 

St. Louis Daily 
Urges Nets lis 'Must' 
For Aerial Acts 

St. Louis, Dec. %. 
The St. Louis Star-Times last week 
instituted a campaign to urge 
circus owners to^ abandon the cur- 
rent practice of permitting high acts 
to perform without nets. Editorial, 
written by Kenneth D. Tooill, editor 
of the editorial page, urged John 
Ringling North, new/ president of 
Ringling Bros. :& Barnum Bailey , cir 
cus to take the lead in this direction 
on the, theory that other big-top 
owners will follow, 

Star-Times' strategy in this in- 
stance is to get North to either ac- 
cept or reject the suggestion, in 
either case, North's action' will be 
sent out as a news-story on the 
four major news -service, wires. ■ ■ 

The editorial labeled "Back to 
Nero" cites the recent fatality record 
of aerial acts in jcircuses, 'and de- 
clares that "a Nero. complex seems to 
have seized circus moguls during the 
past decade that is not reflected' in 
public demand." 

The editorial, continues, "John 
Ringling North is cited as the logical 
man to bring about an immediate' re- 
formation of this growing tendency 
to provide blood and death with cir- 
cuses because he is the biggest per- 
sonality in the business. It is strange 
he has not given consideration ' to 
the fact that - circus audiences are 
comprised largely of ' gentle folk, 
parents and children mostly, who 
com$ to the big: tops to laugh and be 
made happy. To serve them tragedy 
is heinous." 



For Industrial Expo. 

Atlantic City, Dec. 2. 
. HamiCs Million Dollar Pier will 
become headquarters for the Inter- 
national Industrial Exposition next 
summer. 

It will operate under the super- 
vision of Dr. ' H. W. Waters, who 
will act as its president and general 
manager. Dates fixed in present 
plans call for an opening on June 
26 with the exposition to continue 
until Sept. 11. 



Crystal Terrace, St. Loo, 
Well Set on Bookings 

St. Louis, Dec. 2. 
The Crystal Terrace of the Park 
Plaza hoteli is continuing with' a 
heavy battery of name talent. Among 
the performers lined up' for the spot 
are Florence Desmond, starting Dec. 
31; Jane PickenSi Jan: :23; Lanny 
Ross, Feb. 13; Phil. Regan, March 19 
and Liberace, April' 9. . . 




THE INK SPOTS 




Optning Dac. 1 
TOWN CASINO 
BUFFALO, N. Y. 



Mgt.-UNIVERSAL AnRACTIONS 
S65 Fifth Avcnu*. N«w Yait 



Shelvey Fired 

^BB Continued from page 4S ' " I 

secretary of the Screen Actors 
Guild; George Heller, exec sec' 'of 
American : Federat'ion of R a d i o 
Artists, and. Dewey Barto, AGVA 
rep, took: the position that since 
Shelvey was relieved of all duties 
when.he was granted sick leave, any 
orders he issued were illegal. It also 
was felt by the AGVA committee that 
many directives sent to AG VA's field 
representatives were designed to 
"sabotage" the work of the national 
committee. The full 4A's board 
meeting substantiated the findings of 
the committee, 

Dullzell Wires Diseharge 

After Monday's meeting, Paul 
DuUzell, 4A's president, sent out a 
telegram to all AGVA field offices 
notifying them of Shelvey's dis- 
charge. Telegram stated that "de 
spite representations to the 4A'Si 
Shelvey immediately . and deliber 
ately proceeded to hamper and 
sabotage the efforts of the commit- 
tee by issuing unauthorised direc 
tives and orders and flaunted the 
authority of the committee and of 
the 4A's. Acting upon facts before 
it, which substantiated the above 
.matters, and recognizing the respon 
sibility before jt, Mr; Shelvey was 
this day discharged by the 4A's 
board." -Wire was also sent to Shel 
vey notifying him of )iis discharge. 

The 4A's board also decided to 
postpone for a few months the forth- 
coming convention which Shelvey 
lined up for Chicago week of Jan. 
12. Action was taken to '-fully con- 
sider the requests made by the 
AGVA program committee which 
petitioned for a .change- of meeting 
site to New York, and which asked 
for a change in convention voting 
procedure outlined, by Shelvey, 

Until a new AGVA national ad- 
ministrator is appointed by the 4A's 
all AGVA affairs- will be handled by 
the committee appointed by the 
parent talent union. ; 

The JShelvey firing marks another 
chapter in the stormy history of 
AGVA. The present imion w&s or- 
ganized in 1939, when the 4A's re- 
voked the charter of the old Ameri- 
can Federidion of Actors, The first; 
e:kecutive trecretary was Maida 
Reade, followed \ty Mildred Rotlr, 
Jean Miiir, Hoyt S. Haddocit, Gerald 
Griffin, Tom Phillips and, finally, 
Shelvey in 1942. Shelvey^ started 
with ' AGVA as an organizer, in San 
Francisco, later became Miami rep. 
and was put in as national head 
shortly thereafter. 

Shelvey, when contracted, de- 
clared he had iiot yet received notifi- 
cation of the 4 M's action, and there- 
fore would not comment. 



Saranac Lake v 

• By ttajppy Benwajr 

Saranac Lake, N: Y., Dec;' 2. 
We The Patients" gave a shower 
and party, to Esther Morrisette 
(Mrs. Victor Gamba) ai the lodges 
Among , those, who helped -to make 
the affair , a success yrere John Bink-; 
ley, Garry Vandermast, Jim Wilden- 
thaler and Tom Curry. 

Betty (Par) Blessing, former 
sec'y of Dr. Edgar Mayer, checked 
out of the infirmary and is now get- 
ting acquainted with the UP depart- 
ment, a nifty comeback. ' 

Walter Hoban, who mastered three 
stages of the thoracoplasty opera- 
tion, upped, and: appointed down- 
town shopper. 

H. D. "Hank" Hearn, former pa- 
tient here, now manager of Exhib- 
itors Service, Charlotte^ N. C. 

Mary Mason elated, over good 
clinic reports, which Upg ber for; 
meals and pix. , 

Annual Harvest Hop given by' the 
Study and Craft Guild topped' all 
previous affairs. Eddie Vogt emceed 
and Meribah Goodwin and Ernie La- 
Rouche's orch headed entertainment 
program. 

Helen Pelechowicz mastered tho- 
racoplasty operation, and recuping 
at. the Rogers. 

Eddie Vogt directing play for the 
Trudeau dramatic club and a min- 
strel for the Lion's club. > , . 

Forrest Glenn taking course in 
leather tooling at the Study & Craft 
Guild. 

(Write te thoie.who.aie ill.) 



Pitt. NHeries ShulHiiig Owners; 
Some Reopen to Snare HoMiy Trade 



Pittsburgh, Dee. 2. 

Night club picture around here 
has-been shifting so rapidly in the 
last few weeks it would take a CPA 
to keep track of the score. Num^ 
ber of spots have changed hands 
recently, others are folding and still 
others are planning to reopen after 
extended shutdowns. 

Town's most spectacular white 
elephant, the $250,000 Belvedere, 
which was a- bust from the getaway, 
iras recently disposed of by owner 
Henry Lewis to a Cleveland syndi- 
cate,, which has just cleared up an 
old indebtedness with American 
Guild' of Variety Artists and an- 
nounces it'll resume floor shows 
shortly. . Len Litman, who bought 



USO-Camp Shows Sounds 
Taps in die Far East With 
Combined Show in Tokyo 

ToKyo, Nov. 21. 
USO-Camp Shows folded its over- 
seas operations here Saturday (15) 
with a final two-hour blowoff show 
that combined the last two units re- 
maining here. Finale was staged at 
the Ernie Pyle theatre, No. 1 show- 
house of the Far East, and Brig. Gen. 
W. A. Beiderlinden, of General Mac- 
Arthur's headquarters, gave the in- 
troductory remarks to the windup. 
Members 'Of Units 960 and 970^ which 
took the final bows, included: 

Unit 960: Joyce Mowery, Jerry 
Wallace, Betty White, Louis Carroll, 
Al Verdi,- Ruth Petty, Doris Padgett, 
Nino Ghezzi, Charlie Lelghton, Ar- 
lene Weisend, Helen Carter, Helene 
Wohl and Tommie LaRose. 

Unit 970: Archie and Rose Rob- 
bins, William Glass, Mary Witty," 
Billy/ Partridge, Rollie Fonzal, 
Tommy Trent, Victor Dejiter,. Max- 
ine krivit, Al and Art Fonzal, Sandy 
Grants. Gae Gallo and Ronnie Caw- 
ley. 

Lt.-Col. Justin G.> Doyle", who is 
now director of the Army's recrea- 
tional service in GHQ's Special 
Services Section, helped stage the 
concluding show. He was the bf- 
iieer-in-charge of the first USD unit 
to head overseag.^the cine that in 
November, 1941, trekked a 13,900- 
mile trail . through : the Caribbean 
from Puerto Rico to British Guiana. 
It included Jane Pickins, Mitzi May- 
fair, Benay'Venuta, Ray Bolger,.Stan 
Laurel, Oliver Hardy, John Garfield 
and Louis Paluski. . 

The jEormer.^aijiie" team of Bjfrnes 
& Swanson was also on hand for the 
Tokyo tribute, Don Byrnes served 
as field director for USO shows in 
the Far East Command, and former 
partner Alice Swanson served as his 
office executive. 



Mercur Musitf Bar from Mercia 
Brothers few years ago, last^week 
sold out to Harry Fox and Al 
Sursette while Lou Abrams has dis- 
posed of Lu Marba (the old Villa 
Madrid) to an undisclosed buyer. 

Operators of Hollywood Show 
Bar, faced with possible eviction at 
the expiration of their lease, have 
purchased the building which houses 
nitery for $100,000 and after trying 
for seven months, Morris Deakter 
has folded his classy Beverly Hilla 
Club, whfch he built up last spring 
from, an old hotel at a cost of 
$150,000. Deakter went in for big 
name shows at the beginning" but 
dropped them after a short time for 
just music and dancing, but place 
hasn't been doing anything. Couple 
of prospective buyers backed out at 
last minute, hence Deakter's deel' 
sion to close spot. 

The Bachelor club dropped its 
show policy last week, but there's 
the possibility they'll be back around 
February. 

Spot has been' using names on a 
flve-day-a-week basis, 



Piermont Stays as Booker 
Of Vet Hospital Shows 

Ben Piermont will remain as exec- 
utive booking , manager when U;§0 
Camp Shows changes to the Vetaans 
Hospital Camp Shows, on Jan. 1. 
Bert WishneW will continue to assist 
Piermont. 

The new organization will .continue 
to.' provide entertainment to hos- 
pitalized vets. 



E D D Y 



"HeUttz of th« 
harfflonica." . 




CurrmHy . 
CONCERtlZiN<lb 



Margery WallM at tha Piano 
Mgt.: Itn Upitt 



M 
A 
N 

S 

N 



Valdes Into La Martinique, N. Y. 

Miguelito Valdes Orch has been 
signed for La Martinique, N. Y.^ 
stairting next Thursday (11) re- 
placing the Lecuona Cuban boys. 
Ralph Font band holds over. 




LAUREnEandCLYMAS 



•fDANCUMOmilTS" 
JACK OAVIES . PHil TYREU 
Ntw Yorli.' -Chicago 



Available for Foreign Booking 

JoiiHory 1, 1948 

America's Most Distinctive Line 

DOROTHY DOBBEirS 

12 Fdrtious Boulevard^rs 

Direct frotti a SMtatieinpl 
3-Y«ar iR9«i9«ni*nt af tht STEVENS Hottl . 

CMeogOi llliRofs 

Direction RAY LYTE mIBmenx HOGAN4YTE. Inc. 

tea ir< WABASH 'AVE., CHICAGO li ll>£. . ' 



JOAQUIN GARAY-GURRENTLY^Havana Madrid 



fPRONOUNCED WAUKEEN GAH-RAY) 



NEW yORK eiTY 



". . . Joaquin Garay can sing, and is one of the finest entertainers I've ever seen — ^vibrant, bubbling yrith person- 
ality and a terrific salesman. He's what New York hoe cried for." — lEE JMORTIMER, Doily IMirrer^ 



Olncllm: 



4fl 



Wadtowribyt 'Pwwwiber 8, 194,7 



Roxy, W. Y. 

Dan Dailev, Three Swyt», Hor- 
rtso» tc Fisher, Norman Yauttg, 
Miltofii Kaye, H. Leopold Spitalnv 
House Choir, Cae Foster Roxyettes, 
Paul Ash House Orchestra; "Thun- 
der i» the Volley" (20th), revietued 
in VAttOiTV, June 11, '47, und^r name 
of "Bob, Sm of Bottle.'' 



Current bill at this 20th^Fox show- 
case stacks up as better tlian avcr^ 
age. There's no whammo act, but 
they're ''all entertaining and the show 
is nicely routined and attractively 
produced. 

This time the house orchestra is 
placed on an extended apron at 
stage left, with Paul" Ash batoning 
as well as introducing the- acts from 
there. At the opening the H; Leopold 
Spitalny vocal group is on another 
apron at stage right. 'As it offers 
"it's a Grand Night for Singing" the 
main stage lias three ballroom dance 
couples, with five other couples 
standing ' around for atmosphere, 
Sfiltoa l^aye, the house pianist, is 
center stage and follows with ^ 
-ahnrt solo' of the Tchailtowsky 
"Mtoon Love," partly in dance 
j:hythm. 

* With the choir backgrounding, 
Norman YoUng is on next with two 
acceptable baritone selections in op- 
eretta style. The stage is then 
cleared for the clever and laughable 
dance 'js«itife of Hartison and Fisher. 
Team, does two numbers .skillfully, 
avoiding repetition of most comedy, 
dance acts. 

-Dan Dailey (New. Acts), -the head- 
lined, )8 "onJ>^ with -an enteetain- 
Ing jtoB^-jind-dance act' and some 
amusing -palaver about how he was 
ono! a cfaoruS' boy at the Boxy. 

-The Three Swifts foUow with 
their- fsuniliar comedy ju^Ung, 
Dailey. sticks, around to do .a simple 
ju^ling bit,- then exits for the -third 
-member <a the net,- who's introduced 
as the drunsmer in- the house band. 
Ttw^tcio jgo through -their funny se- 
ries e^-buildi^'for. seveml' standard- 
indisntrClub bits, to progressive audi- 
«nce:i»«:tion; ■■ 

JPimtle of -the show has the Roxy- 
ett» coing. through- a routine bal^ 
-ancing on lar^e balls, a by-now 
sdoi'dirird turn with them. Hobe; 



?e6ra htt Hollywood background, 
ioei on to i-CivlIteaUon" and "You 
Like It," a Calypso ballad. Comes 
back for a curtain speech, which 
consists of a ga& that's becoming 
somewhat corny in these parts and 
could well ba eliminated. In case 
you haven't guessed, she says, "It's 
very nice to be back in. Washington, 
especially without a subpoena." 

Roy Douglas g^ets top billing from 
the patrons with his veiitro act. He 
and dummy always click, here, and 
earn the returns they «et. Technique 
is smooth, and character created for 
wooden partner is convincingly 
smart alecK. Highlight of act, which 
once made the Ripley column, is 
stunt in which veniro and dummy 
sing together in haj-mony in two 
different keys. 

Albins, slapstick adagio team, are 
mildly funny and ^t scattered 
laughs. S*inale,. which iidces pot shots 
at stock ballroom dancing, has 
enough good aero ierping in it . to 
give team a nice send off. 

Curtain raiser is Connie Stevens 
in a- drum major routine that is so 
swiftly expert that constant -twirl- 
ing never becomes monotonous. Gal 
handles firist one, then two batons 
SG well that she garners beaucoup 
applause; 

Sam Jack Kaufman and house 
orch .round out holiday layout in 
o-verture combining the usual 
Thanksgiving motif with a salute to 
the 'Freedom Train. Patriotic busi- 
ness is handled more, tastefully than 
most,, with effective, help from solist 
Kay DeWitt and narrator Charles 
Edwards. Lowe. 



State,. N. ¥. 

Jackie Cleoson, 3«ttt; Reilly, Sob 
Howard, Ladd Lyon K), Pritchord 
'& Lord, -Reg Kefioe Marimba 
4iuems (7); "The Wistful Witlotu of 
Wagon Gap" (U) (2d week). 



-ApeHo, m. ¥. 

.Charlie Bamet Orch (17)., Dick 
- HalOtoin, Jeanne Louise, Bunny 
Btism, n>mrny Ropers, aUider Bruce 
ti Co.; "The , Spidr,"' ; (20«) . 

Layout at this Barlem vaude 
house currently is a below-par med- 
ley. Cliarlie Bacaet^s wtch.liowevep, 
n»nages to vtoke' ijp enough steam- 
to .please the ApoUo: jiunp set. 
While the oxilir other items, to be 
recommended are the reitular house- 

- comics and. terper BUnny Briggs. 
' Best of'the show isititai-.' 

Composed of eight brass, six reeds, 
-'three' rhythm, 'BarirefB crew gives 
out with driving -brand of- itaz- 
ttaat'4 jiharply .atranged; 'ior easy 
listenind. Barnet's solos xtn the alto 
-and .AQwano aax, .moreover, are 
loaded with -xUft* fhai^CKi over par- 
titHilKrly -vwai 'to "this house. Nice- 
novelly ^totteh is added by two 
cotoced trumpeters with -band who 
.do a taObact wiQi their horns, drcb's 
baritone vqcdlist, .Dlflt aaldwin,. 
• «CQreifr well -with '^Ton Do" «tttt "Be- 
en .the .Secnine." SVsmme .Trocalist, 
Jeanne LquIk,. lacks as yet suffi- 
cient .'jitidr to "hoia the customers 
quiet* 

Briggs is completely mls«fipotte'd 
«s 4ne number oni it«n sand sfaoUld 
•be moved up. higher In the bill, be- 
cMse everything, following him 

-auiTers badly by comparison. Srigi^ 
.hashes xme of the smartiisirt tap-terp- 
mg routines in the business. Smooth 
iww ea^y without Usihg any acro- 
batic nips to win customer applause, 

. he features, a uniflue stylis oft hoofing 
punctuated b"<«ast and funny breaks 
JfBs to beg off. 

Other acts include Spider Bruce 
In ^ hangup skit which is, jegularly 

• repeated here with same uproarious 
rfeiiultg. Tommy Rogers closes the 

, layout, • with a wheezing style of 

-eoaiedy patter and singing that's 

- narrowly limited to Harlem taste. 
His-pipes are fair and he-does a.good 
job on the novelty .tune 'fFlagal^," 
but his comedy material is. a rehash 
of stale - mm mnS bis delivery is 
Without finesse. Hcrm. 

Cii|»itali Wash. 

Wa*hinBrton, Nov. 29; 
Marilyn Maxwell^- Connie Stevtns, 
Roai DoitpUu, The Albins (2), Sam 
, Jflcfc KofUfman'* House Orch u>ith 
Kay DeWiti, ChaHes^ Edmaris: "Song 
of Love" (M-G). - 

Capitol's stage bill curMnt session 
is some notches Hbelew top drawer, 
but is nonethelecs so nicely balanced 
and well paced that it is doing its 
flbs09 ,to pabk the house. 

Heiad liner Marilyn Maxwell, 
Metro player on a build-up p.a. 
tour, seems thoroughly at hoime and 
knows what to do with a tune. 
ChantODsey is plenty eye-fllling and 
has- » warn), sultry, voice. Yet, she 
Komehow misses the boat with the 
custtuners— at least she did at show 
eaugfat. Her Intimate style may be 
Jh too low register for daytime 
f Udiences, but reason is more likely 
thie material she. has been given, 
Which Ui a bit too far off beaten 
track for the conventional tastes of 
ibis type audience. Opens with "As 
!xou tMt It," ivcltteb for the occa- 



BKa, BaatoB 

Boston, i^ov. 28. 
Voushn Monroe Orch, Fronfc Fon- 
taine, Zigav Talent, The Dunhills, 
Moonmoids; "Killer ot Large" (EL). 



The -State show adds qp JBtisfac- 
torily- although wiOumt tite punch 
to .put it jn the -sock column. ItV 
one of- those shows wherein most 
of the acts do well individually, 
but in .the aggregate it's compara- 
tivejly tianie. One -of- the .j«asons for 
this CDhditiOn might be that tlw 
-hoi»8e-'had to be extranely careful 
this week because of the increased 
juvenile ^attendance: during the> 
Thanksgiving holiday. 

.Present are a few acts that can 
do well on any stage including Betty 
Reilly, Bob Howard and Ladd t^on. 
Jackie Gleason -will regain >enter'that 
category as soon «s. be gets fresher 
material. 

. tintcbard «nd' Lord, baUrjSiMnet& 
who canbine tapi 4md ^liallet, '-mbb in- 
the opening slot. T-erptwain provides 
an extremely mild offering. Their 
routines "are showing signs , of wear, 
-and <9n infusion of new and original 
material is needed if they're to 
maintain their f ormer .standards. 

There's -an immediate- lift in the 
proceedings with Ho-ward'a Mag. 
and' :piaao-'Wotk. Ttiis ^aepian aoidcs. 
Across Ji guintet of numbers wiffa- 
vigor and a shade . of 'hinnor -for 
.turns swarranting an encore, ^on,' 
aided by an. audience plant, shm- 
'larly gets bis hand-to-hand balancing , 
across, while Miss Reilly hits it olr 
nicely with -an -assortment fit rhytbm 
tunei including some in the Irtttin 
-and Xididish idiom. She's another; 
encore .getter. 

Gleason's in bis capacity as 
emcee, and his -solo turn, does com- 
paratively well, butihat'4;not enough 
Tor a .performer .with hb; capabQities. 
The ract that he gets some of .the' 
too-familiar yarns 'across indicates 
that -fae'd wow with some new; 
verbiage. (Bd. note: It's generally 
i.'the same criticism of Gleason -when 
he was at -the N, Y. Capitol recently). 

Closer is by Beg Kehoe-s marimbai 
band, a decorative group with six- 
gals. They mafee->e, pleasant imnress 
with the marimbas^ vibe and chime 
offerings^ 

Louis Basil's house orch, aside 
from oi>Fcrin£ - topnotch ba(>king, 
helps warm up the house with a 
f»Qcy arrangement of "I Wish 1 
DifJn't Love You So." 

Hou8e< held oveii the Abbott and 
Costeilo s tarr er , "ISie Wistful Widow 
of Wagoh' Gap," for. a second week. 

Jose. 



Vaughn Monroe orch is register- 
ing biggest week here in many 
weeks. It remains one of the top 
band attractions on the cii'cnit as 
Monroe always comes, in with a 
staunch group of er.tertainers. Lay- 
out is soclco all the way. 

Band starts off with "Kokomo In- 
diana" to set a fast pace and never 
lets down. Monroe, fronting the 
band in his usual personable man- 
ner, vocals such top-ranking pops as 
"Ballerina," "When a Feller Needs 
a Girl" and "Road to Mandalay" to 
catch a begofl from the capacity 
houses he gets on every show. ; 

Supporting . talent includes the 
Dunhills,. a tap trio with an easy, 
speedy style; Frank Fontaine, long 
a. solid performer in a hilai'ious ses- 
sion of impersonations and satires 
(including one on Monroe), and 
Zifigy Talent, who wows with his 
usual "Sangi You Made' the Pants 
Too Long" plus "The Maharajah of 
Magador" and "Josephine." 

Moonmaids, smooth vocal quartet, 
work; with Monroe and contribute 
nice style to "I Wish. I Didn't 3tiOve 
You So" and others. In i contrast- 
ing- vein Madelyn Russell warbles 
"Papa Won't You Dance With Me?." 
"Two- Loves Have I" and ''Civiliza- 
tion." Besides being a looker, she 
has a .sharp way with a comedy lyric- 
and «oes very big. Whole show, 
in tact, interlarded with band niun-.; 
hers in superior settings, rates as a; 
smash affair, and wows from the, 
outset. 

, Opening, holiday J^im. biz was sen- 
sational jn a house that's been n.s.h, 
!for moutbs. \- Elie, , 

•■ Miami, Nov. 29. 
Gordon MacRac, Snjah Raboid, 
Alodelettes, (12), , Soimv Spares;, 
•PrydM^ It Dtai, Morey 'tc Eaton, Les 
Hhotte "House Orcfc; "Crw Wolf 
(WB). 



Fairish show current here, with 
audience -approbation ,in same vein.' 

Pace setters «re the Modelettes, A 
departure from, the house -policy, 
wiiich rarely includes .anything ap- 
proximating a .production number, 
the-12^al Hne turn in -two well re- 
hearsed, though -not too imaginative 
xoutines. 

Gordon MaoRnei topliner of the 
layout hits solidly with liis fuUy 
■TOunded vocalistics. Guy leaves im- 
presh that he could range liigh with 
,^t&e' -notes. As is, ,gets the mitting 
with his -easy approach to the pops 
with "Near You" and "Body and 
Saul" standouts.: 

■Bajahe Heboid, a local fave in 
niteties, ^^a^ners a .good palm-pound- 
'.iag. 4iiiHt his .mentalistics'. Ansvlrers 
any and all questions sent up. 

Unicycllsts and balancers Pryde 
«ad DcQT di» okay with their stunts. 
Jtoutiningi «re well handled. Com- 
edy -ipot held down by -Morey aiid 
ISsAm doesn't go too .'vsr^L Timing 
and showmanship -,lti«re^ but 
not the material. 

3fa emcee spot. Sonny Sparks han- 
dled the ehore neatly. Also clicks in 
songctanza, Larv. 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF DEOBMBEB S 



Nam wall ta connectlOB with bUh'iMiow ladloato apealnt day at ahow 
yrtMli>«» full tir wilt waelt - 

Leticr lo Mr«H«lie>e» Imllvntes (lircults (I) ImluiiendDiitt (I.) Lmwi 
<!') I'aminimut ; (ID KUOi (W) tVHriU'r 



>'J5\V YO«K CITV 
Clipttol (I') * 

Pawl Wliltcnmn O 
MarU.vn Maxwell 
Gens Sbuldott 
Bon BbvI - 

MUHlc ilAll (I) 4 

Lucllc Cummlnsif 
M:rtiU & Piiuaiid 
AuTonuinluoH 
Unuditmllh Uro» 
llocUtttteH 

Wym Oi'(! 

X*armii4»unt (D 9 

Ray MuKlntey Bd 
l^rnnkle lanine >. 
mny DeWoIfe 
ClarU Bi'OB 

fU>\y (I) 4 
.T>an Dailey :■ 
3 SwitW . 
Norman Youtir 
HarriMon & I'^ioher 

mite w * 
R & li Plukort 
The Tunosiiien 
.Tuhnny Morffun . 
Betty Jann Watson 

Four Moroccann 
KKONX 
WllHlHur (I) S-7 

Alan Reno 

Cttthorinfl HarrJa. - 
Koslyn I*aKo 
Paul McWniiiiina 
BHOOKLTX 
KiMtbuHli (I) fi-T 
Uly Ann Carol 
C^ti-on Bros 
AbaullRh Kiltlu 
Bd.wai'a Sis 
J«<ikle Randall 

.lanuSlm (I) -8-a 

Horiaa 3 

Jtima & Jamea ' ) 
Trumpet Twin* 
Stan Irwin . ' 
Althoa 
((o»r to flll)- 

BAI.TIMORE 
RipSiMlKune (f) A 
WAlton ik O'St^utk* 



Coloy Worth 
Martin iiroH 
IIAKTVOlin 
Htnt* (f) S-l 
Tad Weems Ovo 
Jerry Coloniin ■ 
Connie Stevens 

MIAMI 
V. Qlyaipln. (P) S 
Carlton & Dell 
Paul Dnke 
liluKenlo Balrd 
Tim Herbert 
RitmUn' Bears 

AdnmH (I) 1 

nilndla Jacduet. 
,T Luncefard fire 
-Bar»l> -VnuBliii 
VttttevB'n & Jaclts'n 
N1«H «• Vcrsio 

Piirnniuunl* (!') 4-T 

I.kintilHttinplon O 
Choolateera », 
Rod & Ourley 
Mara Kim 

pattkhsox 

"Majestlo (I> *-7 
Wilfred Dujiols 
HaUer & Hayden 
Olive White 
Anthony ife WoBcm . 
Go)d Tony 

- 

Romalne &. Babette 
Bobby Bel Bio 
Martin & .Florena 
Tommy Jlunlon 
Prltchard » Ijord 
rHfTJiURLPHIA- 
OmMtn (I) 4 
Isob- Poufflafl' 
Alan Stone ^ 
•Plw Btirhtovreni 

■*-H«fti( _ : 

VBOTIDiaNCIB 
«niiltaa (I) 8-1 

jBcoree PreeuiH 
Jordon * Tarvis - 
Tb« Kanasinwaa 
ISileen JSarlon 
OeoriTfl Guest 
lUSAUINO 
Hojah (?) «-S 
»heii Kl«ia« Ore 

:Boh I'lopltina 



IBypod i'O M i c» Halto. 

Baltimore, Nov. 30. 
ATtpie Bond frib, Steve Murray, 
Walton & O^RottrKie, The Robems. 
(5), Jo Lombdrdi Souse Orch (12); 
"tt ff«d to Be You" (Col). 

Standard. layout plays well enough., 
Opening by Bobenis, mixed quintet 
of tumblers is punchy despite space 
limitations occasioned by house arch 
on alage. Make thinga right for 
Walton it 0*Rourke to handle vari- 
ety of puppets On small portable 
stage. Get over strongly with han- 
dling of skeletons, jiving blackface 
vocal 'flnd piano duo, a very funny 
bit ot a drui^ken ilowager at a nilery 
and for a sock finish, two Skating 
cats. . 

Steve Murray is next with gag- 
gin^,. fiddle playing and a comedy 
vocal. Set matters for the Angle 
Bond Trio to dose with strong sesh 
of instrumental stuff and some vocpj- 
jzing. Utilizing piano accordian and 
bull fiddle for swingy arrangements, 
trio of femmes give out with "Cara- 
van," "All These Things," "Samba" 
a Bach classic and for encore, "Hey 
Bob-a-Hebop"— all sold to the hilt 
and a .strong closer. 

Biz good. fitirw. 




-material, seems to have added a dif- 
ferent suality. Perhaps it's just the 
same fare, only it's matured. It is 
now possible to sit really close to 
those 21 men -at work and enjoy the 
results unequivocably. A ooaversai- 
tion can't exactly be carried on 
while the band is at work; to say 
that is gohig too far. It's still plenty 
novel, but therells.jiew: color in most 
of -the things it does and the blasting 
Isn't as noticeable. Kenton now uses 
bongos and maracas for- unusual ef- 
fects, incidentally. Pete Rugulo, 
Kenton's main -wranger, ain't too 
clear hiimseU over what has been 
.done to change the band's approach, 
but admits there is a difference. 
Whatever it is, it's a great band. 
. .Kentoi). -sterns to have been soured 
'« bit by the' numerous objections he 
has heard in the past on the band's 
destruction of noise meters, its lack 
of attention to pop songs, and the 
tempi that go with them for dancing. 
And he uses this situation in a par- 
.tially sarcastic manner, along with 
other developments, to actually add 
a dose of showmanship to the pres- 
entation of the combo. For example: 
prior to a broadcast he explains to 
the kids what's going to cook— and 
warns that dancing shouldn't be un- 
dertaken since there's "vidous 
tempo changes and somebody's lia- 
ble to break a leg." Such touches, 
combined With his constant (feigned) 
inability to remember at what spot 
he's playing and a funny routine of 
introducing the members <il his 
troupe, add showmanship to the 
broad color of the band's unusual 
musical performances. 

Kenton still has June Christy on 
vocals and trumpeter Ray Wetzel as 
noveltyrtune backerup. Miss Christy 
i» a fried performer and her per- 
formance here goes over, as usual. 
She handles material peculiar to her 
and does it' really well. Wetzel 
wasn't heai-d when the band was 
<caught {Pri«U»y>i Wood. 



DoHiMffs and 
Kaya Sisters 

SENSATIONAL tIMOPCAN 
HOVtLTY 

9et. Mgi.: WOli SMITH AMNCY 

mat - .Brwdwy Sfm' 



Lew Nelson 
-Aq£ie .B.ond 
one -to' fill) V 
State, (D <«-« 

Jsrrett & tRobsrts^ 
X.lnita Parish 
Tommy nnnlan 
PtidTO & Iniranft' 

. - 

Winton « Ula^i* 
Rei-< Bros 
Duciilt & Kay« 
(one 1 to nil) 

IBOMXOir ■ 
Boateii (K) « 
Barry SuUfvan 
Bontn's Puppeta < 
Will Mamlh « 
Connie Haines 
tStroud Twins 
ffAMnKN 
Toncm (I) s-T 
Morry & Frank 
Tvonne Moray 
,Tulle & Russell 
Harper & Lonlse 
The -Warners 
OBXCACIO 
CMeato (P) S 
Welta Rhythm Boys 
Robert Maxwell 
-Pat Hsnnln* 
The Colstons 
Oriental (I) 4 
Sntut 
Marshall Bros 
Caudlllo Hlstens 
Carl Sands Ore 
(one to Wiy 

Regal (F) B 
Nellie Luicher 
Dlzz}- Otllesple O 
Oaynor * Boim 
Xlynenilte .Tefterson 
Rivers & Srnwn 

FranlcJe Carle- Or«. 



-liliiyd- Ob !WJIIIb 

3 Be<UnKt«»» 
•BiMCimSTKB , 
Mteee (B) 4 

Tmniny -Bomey Ore 

(-lliriH' to mi) 

Falocfi (I) li 

'BroatTwaiy I'asBinc* 
Wbltey Roberta 
RilltfA 3 
Lester Omar 
Ca.tran Bros . 
SAN' WAMriSCO 
miMm date (K) S 
Babert Iticlium 
Ross & Stone 
'Danny Drayson 
Knclianters 
(one to , flit) 

Court Sa (1) 4-t 

J0hn ArcollYio 
Itevan &' Roles 
Brace Drysdals 
a Honey Boys 
I..eon Fields 
Caltes Bros A 
Marlyn 

m>i.H»o 

Puwmmurt <P) 4-7 

FrankltL Carle Ore 
Ool^y -Worth 
Ikfartln Bros 

WAflttlNOTON 

Capitol m 4 
Dewey Sis 
Noal Slanlev 
Ijander &-. ITolKind 
Francis Oraip 

Ilowanl (S) 5 
Andy KIrli Ore 
Bill Johnson & 

Musical Notes 
Xiewls & White 
Tonduleyo & 

Calypso Buys 
.Dnnuy Dennis 



^TAm 



CARim^- 
New Theatre (I) 1 

OanBS All Hero 
DuifRie Wakefield 
Hilly NelKon 
Chiiok O'Neill 
Joe Black 
Cella Hart 
Hoy J.efCertcs 
Mills & Pauletle 
Tony VanKbn 
Pannora Imps 
3 'Monarehjs Ca- 

Bmplre <I) 1 
Ignoianoe Bliss 
Harold Bemns 
Bladj'a . Hay . 
Michael -Mopre 
Burt Nerman 
Foul Harttiunlcii, O 
l-en St Bill i«nre 
.llnimle tlobbins 
Koinic Conn 
Alys . 



Vam Ik ,1111 

XiOs Valentos . 

Fttln«e (T> 1 

Hurry Riy im 
Kathleen -West- 
."Durosa i 
KniBlit * .I'.-well 
Ili«hty Atoms 
Olfcn Bca r.ion 

MANrilKST^B 
nippodroiue (I) 1 
Happldi'onre 
Harry K orris 
Robbie "Vincent 
Cecil Frederick 
3 Sbinley Bras 
Sanlna & Vnlrtcm'i 
Annn Mac 
Millard * filndcii 
.Tohn Tiller GIrlH 

Kmpire (I) i 

Dante 

Sini-Kala-Blni l!cv 



Cabaret Bais 



HEW YOBK CITY 



BacittcU* 

Ooiathy ttoss 
nine An«e1 

Blls! T Martin 
I'earl lialloy 
Jay jMnrshall 
Hal Coolfe 
Ellin l.arkin 8 
Carnival 
ucovSii' .Tesnel 
F.Inn & Wttldo 
(Irnhnin Sis 
l„uh<t Malina 
Bay Jacuuemot 



CMittH Irwin 

Chas Blacltman Oj- 

Ouo Ore 

Cafe Soc-iely 
(Minvntonii) ■ 

Rose Murphy 
Alsn Melvln 
Dorothy Jnmnc 
Hope Foyo 
Da^-e Martin Orr 
Cafe Ooeirty IJ|>ln 
tutney Aaie» 
doiui j^errlll 



Abbey Albert Oro 
(Jao Outsrel Oro 
Copui'ulHinu 
Peter Ijlnd Huyea 
<Tot MacUnnald 
Mary llciUy 
Bliiir & Dean 
Ray Avuet; 
Michiicl UursD Ore 
FornnnUo Alvurex O 

'Kl Oillcn 
F Del Monte 
Victoria BiircL-lo 
Rita iS; Koziiio 
Xios .Fanohos 
Oreeimirh VU. Inn 
Jeirtt Pnrlter 
Herora: 

JS'eu Harvey Oro 
jjonny Koberls O 

.;■ • ■Harem ' , 
,Tack Goto Dcra 
Myron Cohen 
Kllsa .Taynu 
John Billot 
Paul KenioH . 
Mack TrIpUils 
Nevada Smith 
]''nuato Cui'bello O 
Art Roman O 

Hotel Kdlaon 
Tommy Reed Ore 

No 1 Jtflftli «nv 
-Phyllis Grey 
Gordon Gmord 
■llniiel -Webster 
Downey & Fonvllls 
.aieldlKhts 

Belmunt-PliiiB 
Romo Vincent 
,Ton I>uuren:s; 
Taylor Line '. ' ■ 
Castlllanou Ore 
-Ilddle Stone 'Uro 

Hot,el Blltinar* 
I,anny Ross ' . . 
Pat -Whitney 
Mark llavid 
Bonhy Wnldon O 
Ktpiilicn Tvlaley O 
Hdtrl -CommmloM 
Stan ICenton Ore 

natel Lrxlmiton 
Alomas na>ira(lann 
Jletol K«w Viaehrr 
Saitnray JSaj'e Ore 
'Hatvl VeimwIvnnHi 
Cha-i Splvak Oi-e 

ilDtvl VIenrr 
I.andre & -Verna 
C;hn» Reniler Oro 
Gray Terrell 
Vmn Smith Ore 
HoM llHKU 
Pbll Regan 
.Tool Iterron Oro 
Hotel Bnosevelt 
Guy l.ombardo O 

Hotel St Mnrit* 
Sdo liUblnh Ore 

4Iotel m Seals ' 
Knunk Parker 
Raye & Naldl 
Nype 8k C<ile ■ * 
Mvulyn T>ner 
Anrtre Andree A 

Bonnie ^: 
liasKlo & Peitito 
Tea Straeler Ore 
J Oiiurnerl ;i 

CUOii Uoll 
MInit A Una 
-^^'miB Sin 
.lianric Tjon,^ 
■Beolriee. l''nntt Oye 
11 Cnrbpllo Ore 
Jack Prase Oro 
nntel !niTt 
Vincent T^opez Ore 
Charlie Drew 



naTiina-Miidrltf 

Noro Morales Oro 
Alverea 'Mera 
Cords y & Triftno 
Sftcasas ,Ore: 

Iceland 

Lynn Allison > • 
Tiny Clark 
liiou Menxchel 
W«rtln< Ltn* 
•Bllmpy Blank Oro 

Iju lilBrtlnliiins 
I^ecunna Ore 
Ralph li'ont Oro 
Jayiuv Manners. 
Roberto & Alicia 

.l4ton A: JSiMle^a 

KdUlu Davis 
Art Wanor Ore 
Mayo liroM . 
Mttriiin Manners 
Hoy Davis . 
Run f,opex 
Wttliy Dean. 
&iho)i(trd Line 
Ulii Ronnmnlna 
Sadie Banks 
Joey Dean 
iloe I.u 'Porte Oro 
-D'Anuila Ore 

I!«ii<« Ilanse 
Erwin Kent Oro 
l4«tin tlnnrter 
Harvey Stone 
t'umpiig:noiiH 
GeorKle :Tapna 
smith SJs - 
I'Htrlcla Adair 
C & T ValdoJS 
Gusneth Omei*on 
Bon vivants 
Vincent Travcra O 

Blvleni 
Billy Vine 
J»n Bart 
Demur Denlae 
Uet+y Jane Smitk 
Tony Hnvaar 
Catallno Ore 

Xabaa -Bleu 
Sonla Conts 
Connie Sawyer 
aean Palmer 
Nortnann Paris 1 
lyalljr ^laelter 

„ . Sl^W* 

•flplvy 

Shleli Barrett 
Venatlllea 

Dunulnger 
Bob Grant Oro 
Panehito Oi-c 

VlUaice BflTii 
Pluie T*ete 
:T(>nl Palmer 
%li>ore Sis 
Ma<''Arthui-a 
Ranch Ore 

Village Vnnsmrd 
Irwin C'oi-ey 
Jjea WlWy 
Max ^nminsky t 
Don -Frye ■ 

WaMort-AslvrIa 
De ^lareos 
Nat Braiidw.vnno 0 
Mislia Mori- Oro 

Wlvel 
Bob I.oe 
Kay Carole 
Bri'nne Xiorey 
Janle Scott 
Danny -White 

Zlmnkerinan'o 
Janezl Makula 
SSslga Bcla 
Piaulens, 
Doris Ha-ywood 
(3<-nc Kitrdos Q 



CHICAGO 



Phil I«Tant 
BKy Ohien 
HoWjittl Broolw 
Shirley "White 
TAJ Mfthoney 
... . Xihei Tunw .' 
Marty Gould Ure 
Paul Draper 
Marttn Ji. I.wls 
JJon Chiesta fjro 
Chci! lAdorables t Id) 
Ja^n narllntr - 
Bot«l Blarkstane 
llona' Massey 
Ray Morton' Oro 
Hotel Bismurk 
Fred Harrin, Donmt 

& AnnettO' 
Rudenko Bron (2) 
Heiino Delson O 
The Stewaits (,t) 

Ilelsinxs 

Cleorm, Uubi'l 

'iiHi t'hnndler Ore 

Mary F KfnculU 

Jack Bnrtpll 

H .KOeewutn' Jleach 

Gcoi-ea Olsen Ore 

('arilinl 

J'dul ITnnkon 



Marian Fodels 
.HottK Stylists (4) 
D mm Duncrs (It) 

Hotel BbemMii 
Xeo Blamond 
Mel Tormn 
Bfartx Xbwan . . 
Jose iMells Ore 
•Teanne -Williams 
Carl Marx 

Eatln QimHcr 
T.enny -Kent 
liatin Lovelies (13) 
BUdkly Sha-w Oro 
Valida Snow 
l.nt* Hyd« • - 
Vllnw SIi«ny 

Valmer Honse 

Gritr WUIlams Oro 
Florence Desmond 
Artlno d: Counsuelo 
Ray Malone 
Konard Do Ccurcy 

. Hatel Stevens : 
Orin Tneker Ore 
Prat Lambertl 
Marcella Gould 
M & J Slack 
Scolec Harsh 
Bensatlonallsls (3) 
Boul evar-dears 



^orit Kfzan Coin 



Contisaed 4wkim page 1 ; 



to Hollywood; his last pic waa "Gen- 
tleman's Agreement." 

HcretofOBe top reittuueratioh lor 
directional jpbs was around 16%, and 
s>:!c!! author-directors as George S. 
IvEiufman and Moss Hart are said to 
have rccaived' that share of the 
proflts in instances of "My Sister 
Eileen" and "Junior Miss." Around 
the same compensation goes to 
Jobhua Logan for his work with 
"John Loves Mary" and; in addition 
lo the weekly percentage, he is billed 
as associate producer, show beinfi 
presented by Rodgers & Hammer- 
stein. Guthrie McClintic also draws 
down a .goodly percentage, which ap- 
plies to "Antony and Cleopatra," he 
also being compensated for script 
work. . ' 

Backer.s of "Streetcar" did the 
largest part of the financing, which 
is not unusunlj angels often putting 
up all the money, but in light of the 
record percentage to liazan, Ihey 
will .sliare- in 40% of the profits io- 
sta- rt aSj 50% er more In some iia- 
staiices, ■ 



IfedncBdayf Decem1i«r S, 1947 



LEGITIIM[AT£ 



49 



MuH More Flexible Press L^t; 
CnOman Says Cut Is&es No Sense' 



Proposed limiting of 9roadway4 
opening-night Usts appears to'te in 
« state of flux, and while the num- 
ber ^f tickets given the press will 
doubtless be reduced, it's generally 
conceded that there will be a more 
elastic schedule arrived at than the 
managers originally announced. To- 
morrow (4) the board of the League 
of New York Theatres is due tp con- 
sider the suggestions for more elas- 
ticity made at a meeting, with press 
agents test week. It is likely that a 
revised' list will be submitted to 
manager-members of the League be- 
fore it becomes "oflticial." 

Along Broadway there was varied 
comment over curtailing the press 
list, opinion mostly favoring the 
press contingent although partial 
curtailment received the nod. 
League's plaint against "cold" open- 
ing nights could be blamed more on 
those first nighters who arrive late 
at the theatre ^nA are often inatten- 
tive, it is felt. 

Howard S. Cullman, one of Broad- 
way's most proline bsekers, .stresses, 
for instance, that tlie proposed press 
ticket slicing makes no sense. Those 
in the amusement business need the 
. a,:sistance of columnists, radio com- 
mentators, magazines and all .those 
that influence public opinion. It is 
inconsistent to ask for their asiilst- 
once through press agents and then 
deny them the privilege of covering 
the ^ows.'' 

■ Proponents of curtailment among 
th* League's officers state that it is 
only flie flrst night that the limita- 
tion would apply and that those sup- 
posed to be scratched from the list 
8r« welcome to attend the shows on 
the. second or some subsequent per- 
formance. 



EQUin 



OKAYS CUTS 
IN PAY FOR 'FANCY' 

It's unusual for a cut in salaries 
to be made at this period of the sea- 
eon but Equity okayed such an ar- 
T^ngement for "A Young Man's 
yancy?' after surprising figures were 
submitted. Comedy played through 
the summer at the Plymouth, N.Y., 
then moved to the Cort. "Fancy" is 
in its 32d week but indications are 
the show operates in the red from 
the start, it's slated to be $165,000 on 
the wrong side of the ledger. 

Play is presented by 3&enry Adrian' 
•nd it's understood the boo&ing con- 
tract. Stft the Cort calls for a guar- 
antee to the -house of '$3,500 weekly. 
■Average gross has been around $7,- 
000 but it's claimed the show, which 
has a number of juveniles in the 
cast, has been bettering an even 
break though that's hardly borne out 
by figures submitted when the salary 
slice was sought. . Adrian, whose 
previous tries included "Victory 
Belles," during the war, and "The 
Girl from Nantucket," a costly musi- 
cal which also flopped, was on the 
verge of closing some weeks ago. 

Stated at time of the intended fold 
that the authors "refused to cooper- 
ate," which revealed that the writ- 
ers declined to shave their royal- 
ties. "Fancy" was written by Harry 
Thurschwell, an. attorney, and Al- 
fred Golden, who burned when 
Adrian recently was reported say- 
ing Be wrote the play. Authors com- 
plained to the Dramatists Guild over 
non-receipt of royalties and script 
Changes without their assent 
' Revival of "Burlesque," which has 
xun nearly a year at the Belasco, 
also has a modified cut salary ar- 
rangement, dating from the summer. 
Cut only applies if the gross drops 
under $14,000 weekly. The actors 
have been getting their contract ural 
salaries through most of the fall, 
hoVirever, 



' Fmian's' Book Pnzzled 
Brkisli, But Dances OK, 
Michael Kidd Reports 

Michael Kidd, dance director of 
the Broadway and London versions 
of "Pinian's- Rainbow," returned 
from England last Week just ahead 
of the news that th^ British edition 
would close Saturday (6) after onjy 
a seven-week run. The British 
found the elements of "Finian's" 
book too confusing, thought Kidd. 
They couldn't understand the specific 
U. S. parts, such as the Negro ques^ 
tion, and' the Southern Senator, and 
such American jokes as references to 
TVA and Sears '& Roelmck. , 

But audiences went all out for the 
dance and musical numbers, he- 
claimed. This went, too, for the 
young people in the show. Dancers 
aren't as integral a part of English 
shows as in Broadway musicals, 
Kidd said. Their importance in a 
show like "Finian's" was relatively 
new. The dancers liked working in 
a U. S. show, because of the faster 
pace. The type of movement and 
expression was new. but intriguing 
to them, he added.' - 

A dancer with Ballet Theatre un- 
til his assignment to stage the 
dance numbers for the Broadway 
Finian's," Kidd has offers to stage 
dances for three forthcoming shows, 
including a revival of "Sally." He 
did the choreography for a ballet, 
"On Stage," now in the Ballet Thea- 
tre repertoire, and inay dance in the 
work during the current BT run at 
City Center, N. Y. This would be 
his first dancing since an operation 
on his heels last season. He has an- 
other ballet in mind which he plans 
worldng on this winter. 



Actors Fund Finds 

Itself Unusually Busy 

Actors Fund recorded one of its 
busiest periods during late Novem- 
ber through sudden deaths in the 
profession; it was much above aver- 
age. The actors* charity defrays 
costs of the burials. 

For the two weeks immediately 
prior to Thanksgiving arrangements 
were made by the Funt: to take care 
of 11 casualties, one ^rom as far off 
as St. Petersburg, Fla. Fund's annual 
report showed that during the 1946- 
47 fiscal year ther^ had been a total 
of 74 burials by the Fund. . 

Among those who passed away 
were two oldtimers, William 'Wads- 
worjli and Charles E, Burrows; both 
over .80, but both of whom secured 
stage engagements unexpectedly in 
recent years. Wadsworth played the 
elderly doctor in "Three Is a Fam- 
ilr'' and scored the hit of his career, 
while Burro'ws appeared in a road 
■company of the same comedy, pro- 
duced in 1943 by John Golden. 

There are a number of veteran 
actors who frequently visit the Fund 
offices and' chat in the "backroom." 
When Wadsworth and Burrows 
were engaged for "Family" it was 
an event that other oldsters consid- 
ered something of a miracle. 



Phil Dunning 

•btcrvM timl 

'"Somebody Always 
Writes About the 
Good Old Days'* 
* * * 

a bright featiir* in Iht 

42d Anniveruiry Number 
of 

Om Shortly 



mfim Red in Fold 
Of 'Gaul' in Chicago 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 

Lambour and Golden, Chi pro- 
ducers, folded initial venture, "All 
Gaul is Divided," at the Civic thea- 
tre here after three-week run. Show, 
which opened Oct. 19 in Detroit, had 
an estimated loss of $90,000 despite 
several rave notices. JMTost critics 
were lukewarm to play about GI's 
in the black market. 

Firm already has a musical in 
preparation for spring production. 



'Sons' Hops h 
Ou and Qints 

''All My SonS!," slated to close in 
Chicago Saturday c8) at the Er- 
langer, after a disappointing three 
weeks there, is the second drama 
rated among Broadway's clicks la.st 
i'eason to have flopped in the Loop 
this fall, the first was "Another Part 
of the Forest." 

"Sons" played the stand under an 
arrangement with the Theatre Guild, 
the latter's sukscribers being offered 
"Sons" tickets at the usual price re- 
duction. Understood ■ that "Sons" 
grfass was only a few hundred dol- 
lars over the amount - totaled from 
subscribers, and it was felt that the 
postwar plcy would not successfully 
tour further without that support; 

"Sons" was accoladed by the N. Y. 
Critics Circle as the best play dur- 
ing 1946-47, and business at the 
Coronet, N. Y., spurted after the 
award last spring, spanning the 
summer, run continuing until re- 
cently when the play went to the 
road after -41 weeks, playing Roches- 
ter and Buffalo prior to Chicago. 
Pointed out that neither drama had 
stars in the casts nor name players, 
the possible reason' why the shows 
did not attract more than "moderate 
out-of-town grosses. However, when 
"Forest" tried out last -season excel- 
lent takings were registered in a 
couple of stands.. 



11iaiib^WkT(Higb(^ 
AO Sbws Hii, But Weekend Better 



Xief May Baton in Dallas 

Dallas, Dec. 2. 

Arthur Lief has been offered the 
position of conductor of the 1948 
season of operettas to be staged here 
by the State Fair of Texas, Lief 
would replace Giuseppe Bamboschek, 
musical director of the operettas 
Since 1943;' who plans to tour Brazil 
and visit his family at Trieste. 

Lief was associate musical director 
of the St. Louis municipal opera in 
1946 and last season conducted the 
touring company of "Call Me Mister." 



Axel Yokel Dies at 61 
In N.Y.; Newspaperman, 
Press Agent, Producer 

Death of Alex Yokel, who had 
been a Chicago newspaperman, 
Broadway press agent and legit pro- 
ducer, marks the passing of a color- 
ful figure among showmen. He died 
Thursday. (27) at the age of 61. 

Yokel got his show biz start in 
Chicago, where he had been inter- 
ested in road shows that played" 
smaller stands. He came to New 
York to become press agent for the 
late Sam H. Harris' attractions, and 
he Was highly regarded in that po.st. 
,. Yokel clicked with his first Broad- 
way show as manager, "Three Men 
On a Horse" (1935> , in which he was 
backed by Warners. Comedy, by 
John Cecil Holm and George Abbott, 
ran for more than two years, and 
profits from its road companies 
were bi& too, but Yokel's share 
wasn't all gravy. He planned to 
protect himself financially by buying 
annuities but through manipulations 
by men he trusted the securities 
were never delivered, and he nearly 
went broke. 

More recently Yokel was asso-: 
ciated with the click "The Glass 
Menagerie," whicji brought Louis J. 
Singer into sho-W business as its co-- 
producer with Eddie Dowling. Singer 
financed the production. Yokel 
brought them together, in exchange 
for which it was agreed that he re- 
ceive 5% of each partner's share. 
At Yokel's suggestion "Menagerie" 
opened in Chicago, at the Civic the- 
atre, whei'e the critics hailed the 
new drama. Show sold out thene for 
three months before it was brought 
to Broadway (Playhouse), whore it 
was cited as the best drama of the 
season (1944-45) by the N. Y. Critics 
Circle. 

Yokel offitially was general man- 
ager of "Menagerie," During the Chi 
engagement, and thereafter in New 
York, he went through a series of 
wrangles with Singer. The latter 
allegedly refused to turn over to 
Yokel the agre^d-upon share of the 
play, although Dowling had readily 
done so. After months of contro^ 
versy the matter was settled. Yokel 
accepting $25,000. Joel W. Schenker, 
a businessman outside show biz, who 
was also suppcsed to be in on 
"Menagerie," also settled his claim 
out of court. 

This season Yokel produced "The 
Benchwarmer," with Bert Wheeler 
playing the lead, but the play was a 
flop in Detroit, where it ripened. . 

He had suffered from heart disease 
for some years; and that caused his 
death. ■ During his disputes with 
Singer, Yokel was advised by his 
medico not to take the witness stand 
because of hfs illness. 

Another' play which he produced 
but closed at ti-yout was "The Snark 
Was a Boojum," put on several 
years ago. He obtained the rights of 
"Love From a Stranger'? from Lon- 
don and was ,in on the American 
presentation, which did not fare well.. 
Other plays in which he figured 
were "Bufy the Dead," "The Song 
Writer-" and "Under the Gaslight." 

His widow is the former Mys, 
Rosalind Levy. Funeral services 
were held Sunday (30) in N. Y. 



Last year Thanksgiving week saw 
indications of a pre-Christmas busi- 
ness slide along Broadway one week 
sooner than usual, and the same ap- 
plies this season, although Turkey 
Day is supposed to see the peak of 
the fall period. A difference in con« 
ditions does not appear to count. 
There was a softcoal strike threat a 
year ago, and Broadway lights were 
dimmed to conserve fuel, yet that 
weekend saw the midtown jammed 
with customers. There was a like: 
influx last Friday and Saturday 
(28-29). 

Thanksgiving week started dis- 
mally with a torrent of rain, and the 
effect on boxofflces of theatres with- 
out heavy advance sales was im- 
mediate. Several shows got unbe- 
lievably small money, stated to be 
between $500- and $600 on Monday 
(24) night, while reports were that 
takings for two attractions were con- 
siderably lower. Attendance did not 
improve much up to midweek but 
the holiday matinees were generally 
satisfactory. Thanksgiving night 
was exceptionally off and, as one 
agency man put it, "you couldn't 
give tickets away." Rush theatre- 
ward the foUowing two nights saved 
even fairly good grossers from turn- . 
bling to new fall lows. 

Despite the holiday, declines in 
the weekly grosses were estimated 
at around $2,500, too much to pre- 
vent some shows from operating in 
the red. There were exceptions, of 
course, but the offisbness was no- 
ticed even with attractions that have 
consistently registered actual capac<^ 
ity. TJrop for those shows was dis- 
counted by the managers, who 
clrimed that takings were down 
only a few hundred dollars. One 
of the marked exceptions w^ "Ice- 
time of 1948," which was quoted 
ju-.tping $9,000 to $42,000, with one 
extra matinee (10 performances), 
although "Ice Follies" was current 
at Madison Square Garden. 

One' new. show, "Antony and Cleo- 
patra," entered' the list; two are 
carded to debut this week, the high- 
ly touted "A Streetcar Named De- 
sire," and the calypso musical, 
"Bongo." A dram.., "The Gentleman 
From Athens," and an intimate mu- . 
sical, "Angel in the Wings," are 
scheduled to open next weeki Next 
premieres thereafter are revivals of 
"Crime and Punishment" and "To- 
paze," dated for Christmas week, 
with the D'Oyly Cartes starting 'New 
Year's week. Two and' probably ■■ 
three major musicals are on Jjunu- 
ary's incoming cards. 

Currently there are' half a dozen 
fewer shows on Broadway than in 
the same week a yedr ago, and so, r 
of course, there's no house shortage. 



Baggage 

Delay 'Lueasta' Preem 

Columbus,. O., Dee. 2. 

Opening of ^'Anna Lucasta" on 
Thanksgiving night (27) at the Hart- 
man theatre here was delayed until 
Friday (28) because the show's bag- 
gagecar got hooked onto a Chicago 
train in Cleveland and wound up in 
Elkhart, Ind. 

A virtual capacity opening-night 
house could not be notified, patrons 
arriving in the first full-fledged 
snowiitorm of the year. 

Only a few weeks ago Fred War- 
ing's Pennsylvanians had to borrow 
instruments- from the Columbus 
Philharmonic Orchestra and play in 
Memorial Hall in" street and sport 
clothes because their baggage v/ent 
astray. . 



OUT SOON1 



The 



42nd Anniversary Number 



OF 




F^ims closing shoitly Vsonl Hdf eitismg rates pievoil 

Special exploitation advantages 

Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office 



NEW YORK If 
1S4 W. 46tli St. 



HOLLYWOOD 28 
«311 Yhccmi ». 



CHICAGO 1 
360 N. MicUgaa Av*. 



LONCON. W. C. 2 
8 St. MarriM's Hom 
Trotaisar Sqaoir* ■ 



MARY MARTIN'S RAKE 

Exim cHi'Am&v 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 
Irving Berlin trained in last week 
to persuade Mary Martin into ex- 
tending stay ■ of "Annie Get Your 
Gun" at the ShtibeH past scheduled 
Jan. 10 closing date. Miss Martin 
had insisted she woiildn't stay. at any 
house more than 12 weeks because 
she wanted to play before audiences 
that had never seen her' before. 
Shuberts and Berlin, however, have , 
been awed by fantastic Chi grosses 
of "Annie," - 
. tJpshot of Bei-iin visit is tJjfit 
"Annie" stays until Feb. 28.' Miss 
Martin's old cont];act has been torn 
up for 'a new one that brings her a 
hefty salary hike. ^ 

Treasurers' Benefit 

Sbw Gets $14,000 

Treasurers Club of America, most- 
ly made up of Broadway legit box- 
office men, held Its annual benefit 

I Sunday (30) for the organization'* 
.sick and burial, fund. Extr^. per- 
formance of "The Heiress" at the 

tBiltoBore was played in aid. Of the 
fund but the actors were pa'id pro 

j rata, as usual, at the club's insist- 
ence. Top was $6 and takings ap- 

! proximated $3,500. Real profit, how- 
ever, came from the souvenir pro- , 
gram, and between that revenue and 
show, club's fund added $14,000. 

Trea.<Urers' many- timed president, 
Allen Schnebbe, manager of the : 
Lyceum, again handled the program, '/ 
which contained 170 pages, with. 
Lewis Harris (Biltmorfe), current 
president, chiefly aiding.- Gross on 
the hook topped $16,000, while the 
eost o;f printing ^KS»~p!6i)!ati ^lii^ 



UICS1IllIA'n&--CONCBRT 



Wednesclay, December 3, 1947 



NX to Rival Paris-Yieniia-Berlin As 
2-%era-Hoiise Town ViaCity Center 



Nevi/" York Is. well on its way to 
becoming a two-opeta-house city 
like Berlin, Paris and Vienna, with 
its younger fiouse a real people's 
opera company for the masses- 
thanks largely to the efforts of, 
Laszlo Halasz and the City Center 
Opera Co, With a strong assist from 
Broadway, hy the way. 

The three-and-a-half year old 
operatic institution at City Center 
directed by Halasz, will do 13 weeks 
of opera this season (eight this fall, 
flye next spring) and will do 15 
weeks next year. The 63-year-old 
Metropolitan Opera does only 18 
•weeks of presentations a season. 
Halasz's idea is an eventual com- 
pl^ season of opera at the Center 
from, September to May, as firmly 
entrenched as the Met. Where the 
Met is a" "class", house, with top of 
$7.20, and lowest price about the 
Center's top, the Center will be a 
house for the masses, at the $2.40 
top that mow obtains. 

Final week of the Center's opera 
this fall coincided with the Met's 
oitenihg week. Instead of the com- 
petition hurting, the Cenfer did the 
best business of its eight-week run 
in the last five performances, all but 
one selling out. 

Oper» Unique at 92.40 
HalasB claims his company, with 
Its style of presentations at a $2.40 
top; is unique. It differs from all 
other troupes in being real ensemble 
■ theatre, he says. It follows Broad- 
way legit style more closely than any 
other company, afid is more dra- 
matic. Its atidience consists mainV 
of New York's young elements^who 
■won'tHake old-fashioned opera. !i;he 
Broadway dramatic style, the new 
audiehce — these are City Center 
Opera's chief contributions to the 
art, says Halasz, . 
• He'* trying to put on operas differ- 
ent from the Met, he claims. He's 
done "Eugene Onegin," "Salome," 
"Ariadne," "Werther"— not , usiially 
In Met repertory. He's bringhig four 
or Ave new productions in a- year, 
which the' Met doesn't. The' operas 
have modern productions, new sets 
and costumes. Next spring he'll 
preem an Atherican opera, Glan 
Carlo Menotti's "The Consul." Halasz 
believes in opera in English, but 
- wants' to do original' works, as an 
■ easier, way 'Of introducing opera to 
'9uljUe rather tttan through 
dubiOb^ textjs of foreign ones.^ 
Atoist From B^owlivay 
' Halasz says that ' Brpadway gave 
him a lot of ideas towards doing 
operas a^j. plays, to. make them'dra' 
matie and aUve. He thinlcsj .too,' that 
Broadway opera (as. exemplified .in 
•The Medium" and . '-'Street Scene") 
did more good for his company, than 
anything else^ He. also believes these 
operas injtfoduced better ' music to! 
woadway. Opera; he s^s,' is. be- 
coming a part of Broadway, although 
the en i suite jtotm .of eight-shows-a- 
week isn't good for opera, for Broad- 
ijray, tf lor the singer 

Halas2 says he likes Broadway 
people in opera' for three things: (1) 
their superb: diction, (2) their action, 
(3) their sprucedness:' They watch 
themselves - constantly, in' ^ figure, 
makeup^ costuiQing, never getting 
sloppy: He says' he's taken a lot of 
stage directors from Broadway for 
■ hid productions, in Jose Ruben, Eu- 
gene Bryden, Teodor Komisarjeyskj*, > 
etc. 

For singers, he took Wilma Spence- 
from ''The Merry Widow," Virginia 
£taskins. from "Carousel,". Evelyn 
Keller ' from 'The Medium," and 
Virginia M.acWatters, Dorothy Sar- 
noff.and tttiph Herbert from^'Bosa- 
linda." In turn Broadway took such 
talent as Poljoia Stoska for "Street 
Scene" Y 

The tragedy, says Halasz, is that 
the artists go aw.ay as fast as they 
come. Covent Garden grabbed five 
of his artists last season, and two 
didn't return. The Met took Miss 
Stoska, Begins Reznik, Martha Lip- 
ton, Jennie Tourel, Dorothy Kirsten, 
Mario Berini, Thomas Hayward, 
Bamon Vinay, Hugh Thompson, 
Giuseppe Valdengo and the conduc- 
tor, Wolfgang Martin. In turn, 
Halasz has used the Met's Norman 
Cordon, Frederick Jagel, and others. 

He's giving all young singers a 
'ehance, auditioning about 1,000 
yearly. He gets them from every- 
where. And he's giving youngsters 
« buildup lor the future (as in the 
cafe of Dorothy Kirsten, Polyna 
Btotka, iu)d others), with the train- 
tng ^tat flDKent of byg0n« years had 
■Itt ^ itt Eimq;« to acquire. 



Charlotte Greenwood 



'BiUy Sunday' iBaUet 
In Bow by Monte Carlo 

Chicago, Dec. 2. 
Ruth Page's ballet, "Billy Sun- 
day," done a year ago by the Renais- 
sance Society of the U. of Chicago, 
will have its professional premiere 
when Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo 
presents it during troupe's mid- 
winter run at City Center, N. Y., in 
February. Last Page ballet to be 
seen in N. Y. was the controversial 
Frankie and Johnny." 
"Billy Sunday" will also be done 
by the- Paris Opera Comiciue next 
gpring> with Miss Page going over 
to "stage it. Remi Gassmann, com-, 
poser of the score, is now in Paris 
setting up the deal^ Jerome An- 
drews, who danced the title role in 
the . Chicago preem, may repeat it 
in Paris. 

(kcert Kz Off 
By 15% from '46 

Concert business is definitely off, 
about 15% from last year, according 
to Marks Lcvine^ veepee of National 
Concert & Artists Corp. in charge of 
its concert division. Drop, says 
Levine, who just, returned to N. Y. 
from a six- week trip to the Coast, 
is due to the uncertainty of the 
political and economic situation and 
a desure to- conserve cash. 

But it's .only a temporary setback, 
Levine feels, and likely to last only 
until after the presidential election. 
Inquiries for next season^' bookings 
are coming in at a greater rate than 
last year this time, he ,says. The 
underlying tone of musical life in 
this country is a healthy one, ac- 
cording to Levine, with its structure 
fundamentally sound and its outlook 
bullish. ' .■ ■ 

As for general conditions, railroad 
and hotel situations have eased up 
through the country. What's trou- 
bling concert managers this fall Is 
a wave of illnesses, causing cancella- 
tions in bookings. Helen Traubel, 
Simon Earere, tizio Pinza and others 
on.NCAC's list have had to cancel 
a strip of appearances. The 'National 
Male Quartet .cancelled Ave concerts 
because' one member took ill from 
food poisoning. 

As to the. situation abroad, with 
next summer dates to 'fill during the 
U.' S. off-season, Iievine says he's 
booking in Canada, Mexico and such 
Soutit American cities as Buenos 
Aires without difficulty, as artists are 
able to get their fees out wjthout any 
trouble; He is, howeyer; refusing to 
send any artists to Rio de Janeiro's 
summer . opera season unless fee is 
deposited in a N. Y. t>ank first, due 
to difficulties in getting -funds out 
last summer. . 

Fart of Levine's Coast trip was In 
connection with plans fot the Metro- 
politan Opera Assn.'s spring 1948 
tour, which NCAC helps to book 
This will be the Met's longest tour 
on record and embrace some un- 
usual' features. -The Met will per- 
form in Los Angeles for two weeks, 
in its first L. A. visit in 42 years, 
It will play Richmond for the first 
time in many years, and in Denver 
and Lincoln; Neb., for the first time 
ever. Tour will last nine weeks and 
one day, including Boston, Balti- 
more, Richmond, Atlanta,, Chat- 
tanooga, Memphis, Dallas, Denvet, 
Lincoln, St. Louis, Los Angeles, 
Bloomington, Ind., Minneapolis, 
Cleveland and Rochester, N. Y. 



How JerUza*s Coif 
Saved "LeUy'' 



* * 



I" 

42d. Atmivet$ary Edition 



biside Stuif-Legit 



COMMUNITY CONCERTS 
UP 300 TO 813 CITIES 

-Community Concerts, division of 
Columbia Concerts headed by Ward 
French,, announces . an, increase of 
300 cities in membership during the 
past year, to bring total of towns on 
its list to. 813. 'While business has 
fallen off in theatre, niteries and 
other branches of music. Community 
membership has steadily increased- 
French estimates nearly 4,000 con- 
certs to be given in the 813 cities, or 
from 40 to 50 concerts every night. 

This year Community organized 10. 
cities in Mexico and expects to have 
25 lined up below the border by 
next season, to add to its roster in 
the U. S., Canada and Newfoundland. 
The organized audience movement, 
which. French started in 1921, is run 
on the proposition of signing up 
local membership each fall at a $5 
membership fee. .Town receives up 
to nine concerts a season, with five 
the average. " Membership fee today 
is still $5, as in 1921. . Gross mem- 
berships have gone up, of course, to 
provide bigger budgets. Field reps 
direct the town's local campaign, 
ganize audiences aind membership, 
deposit the coin in a local bank and 
close the 'books->all in a one-week 
drive. . 

Field reps of Community are hold 
ing their 17th annual get-together in 
N. 'X'. this month (1-19) to discuss 
sales! and organizational problems 
and catch up on concerts, especially 
the hew artists. On the agenda are 
discussions, of double series, new' 
methods of campaign procedure and 
publicity. Many towns are sold out 
to auditorium capacity in member- 
ship, to suggest a second series in 
the town, or double concerts in the 
sense of having an- artist stay over 
for a second night. 

French has prepared two. novelties 
to present at the current meeting of 
the 55 field reps. . One is a 20rminute 
16m. musical film on artists, to be 
shown before women's and service 
clubs, etc., as a sales point. An- 
other is an open-end transcription of 
shows with < various artists, with 
opening ^ and clositag announcements, 
as a promotion stunt. Package in- 
cludes four transcriptions, of eight 
sides, to cover several such showsi 



Publicity job done on "For Love Or Money," at the Henry Miller, N. Y., 
in the face of adverse N, Y, notices has attracted trade interest. Attention 
has been focused on one player, June Lockhart. Show opened three weeks 
ago, with Miss Lockhart, the ingenue, not even featured. Seven notices 
were bad, and show did' only $400 on its second night. Producer Barnard 
Strauss was all for closing the first week. All notices had singled out 
Miss Lockhart and the press agent, Richard Maney, talked the manage- 
ment into putting every bit of publicity on her, despite contracts'^With 
featured players John Loder and Vioki Cummings. The latter pair okayed 
the idea. Daily ads ignored the show,- merely plugging Miss Lockhart and 
the "star is born" idea borrowed from one critic. 

Since then, the play's flacks claim they've made everything but the Yale 
Quarterly with Miss Lockhart. All N. Y. d«ili6s went for interviews. The 
N. Y. Times followed a story in the Sunday drama section one week with 
a yarn in the mag section the next Sunday. The Herald Tribune's How- 
ard Barnes, Post's Richard Watts, Jr., and Journal-American's Robert 
Garland, followed up their reviews with second pieces about the girl. The 
Sun gave her six columns of text and pix on Page Three the Saturday 
after opening. The Mirror and News had her in colorpix Sunday. Life 
last week had a three-page spread en the "star is born'' idea, and Cue 
and Look have followed suit. A Collier's story is in the making. The 
New Yorker covered her in Talk of the Town. 



''Strange Bedfellows" — PhUlip 
Waxman. 

"The • Men We Marry"— Edgar 
Liickenbach. 

"The Master's Chair" (Hollywood) 
— Lawrence E. Stanhope. 

*"Bontim» Bound"— Paul Feigay, 
Oliver Smith and Herman Levin. 

"Crime and Punishment" (re- 
vival)— Oliver Rae ' and Ralph 
Whitehead. 

*"Look, Ma, I'm Dancinc"-^eorge 
Abbott. 

"Topaze" (revival)— New Opera 
CO. 

•"Make Mine Manhattan"— Joseph 
Hyman. 

"OaUleo''-^barIes Laughton (tor 
Experimental Theatre). 
-tjkmp St Midiiltlit'''*-New Stages, 

'MttSifiBl. 



See Pinza's B'way Play 
As a Step to H'wooi 

There!s'' possibility of' renowned 
Metopera basso Ezio Pinza appear- 
ing on Broadway next season in i 
straight play, for his legit debut 
anywhere. Edwin Lester is reported 
interested in producing the - play 
with Pinza as lead. Play is 
comedy without any/singing and 
script, as yet unfinished, has been 
approved by the Met star, but the 
play's content and author are being 
kept secret 

Pinza; who is subject of an un- 
precedented' 1^-page spread in the 
current Life, has long been touted as 
a fine singing actor, and is known to 
have film ambitions. Stage deal is 
believed to be another lacet to this 
yen. Jed Harris once wanted Pinza 
for lead in a musical version of Fer- 
enc Molnar's "The Play's the Thing,' 
but Met commitments then pre- 
vented. Singer's concert and opera 
dates have since been so arranged to 
permit outside activity, although his 
managers fear the film bug as put- 
ting an end to Pinza's opera ac' 
tivities. 

Singer appeared in a bit part in 
Federal Films' "Carnegie Hall" and 
in a 15-minute industrial pie for the 
Telephone Hour. He has a contract 
with Federal's Boris Morros to ap< 
pear in a revised form of Victor 
Herbert's "Babes in Toyland," as 
the toymaker, for his first full-length 
feature role, and the 54-year-old 
singer has already .received a $10,000 
advance for signing. Pic was to start 
last June but w&s held up for lack 
of Technicolor equipment; it's due 
to roll next ^'une^ 



Partly interlocking managerial interests explain the season's most in- 
teresting independent, booking deal oh Broadway. The Hudson, started the 
season disappointingly with "How I Wonder," but as the house is due to 
get **Man and Superman," which moves from the Alvin in mid-February, 
its season will probably be a <:onsiderabIe winner after all. Hudson is 
owned by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, whose associates include 
Howard Cullman, who has a piece of "Man" and who heads the group 
which owns the Alvin. Leland Hayward, .who will produce "Mister Rob- 
erts" at the Alvin, also has a share of the Hudson: Joshua Logan col- 
laborated in its adaptation from book form with Thomas Heggen, author 
of the original. How highly "Roberts" is regarded may be judged from 
the fact that a Broadway weU-known who doesn't invest in shows offered 
to finanee the play in total, estimated cost being $100,000. - , 

When "Man" opened, Maurice Bvans, stager and star of the revival, 
figured it for a limited Broadway engagement and had Baltimore pen- 
cilled in for Feb. 16, which is the date the Shavian play moves, to the 
Hudson, where it can remain indefinitely. A limited arrangement applied 
to the Alvin booking when Evans booked the house, "Tha Voice of the 
Turtle" is the current Hudson attraction. 



Numbers in "Allegro" are beginning to show popularity in coin-machine 
and disk jockey ratings. "So Far" and "The Gentleman Was a Dope" 
being the toppers of that Broadway show's score. "Far,"' was written by 
Rodgers and Hammerstein quite some time before they even thought of 
writing "Allegro." When the "nieatre Guild was casting "Carousel," R. & 
H,' wanted Jan Clayton for its cast, and Metro released her at their request 
but stipulated' they compose a new number for it in exchange. "Far" was 
the song. Miss Clayton eventually returned to the Coast and later R. Ac H. 
wrote "Allegro,'' also for Guild production. They knew that Metro had 
not found use for the "Far'! number and at their suggestion it was turned 
back to the authors, • 

Scores of "Allegro," "Oklahoma!" and "Carousel" are published by 
Williamson, Inc., music publishing house owned by Rodgers and Hammer- 
stein. Name of the firm was derived from their fathers, first name of 
the respective male, parents having been William. ' Hammerstein's dad 
familarly known as "Willie," managed Hammerstein's Victoria at 42nd 
and Broadway duritag the heyday of vaudeville. 

'A Streetcar Named Desire,''' which introduce Irene M. Selznick as a 
Broadway manager tonight (3), drew high rating in Boston and Philadel- 
phia, where it tried out; excellent business attehding»both dates. Miss 
Selznick, daughter of Louis B. Mayer and former wife of David O. Selznick, 
is the sole general partner in the ownership of the latest Tennessee Wil- 
liams drama, and put in her own money to the extent of $25,000. Limited 
partners include Betsy Cushing (Mrs. John Hay) Whitney, Joan W. Payson, 
Howard S. Cullman, Clinton E. Wilder, Jr., Robert Lehman, Cary Grant, 
Howard Beinheimer and Audrey Wood, each of whom invested $5,000; also 
Adele R. Levy, E. Y. Harburg and Irving Schneider, who are credited with' 
putting in $10,000 each. Latter, general manager, is said to represent ft 
gt-oup. Total indicated capitalization is| $100,000, an exceptional sum for a 
drama. WilUdmis bounced up with "The Olass Menagerie," his last Broad- 
way hit. ■ 



"Antony and Cleopatra," the Katharine Cornell-Guthrie McClintic re- 
vival, which opened at the Beck, N. Y., last week, is extremely costly. 
Counting out-of-town expenses, the attraction represents an investment of 
$116,000, -Based on the press reception, it should exceed the classic's U. S. 
sho)vings easily, also in England, where Shakespeare's historical drama 
is seen more frequently, I^ast seuon' it was done in London, where Godfrey 
Tearle and Edith -Evans had a boderately successful engagement, Tearle 
having come over to play the -Roman lover opposite Miss Cornell's Egyp- 
tian queen. Understood the play had its longest run in England when 
Beerbohm Tree and Constance: Collier teamed as Marc and Cleo, it then 
being given an estimated 100 ttaies. It looks like 'that mark may be 
eclipsed here. 



When producer Brock Pemberton appeared in the lead of "Harvey," one 
of Broadway's long runners, recently as a stunt, for the benefit of the 
Stage Relief Fund, it was the cast that was nervous, not the manager. 
Fact that he has made many public appearances and addresses explains 
Pemberton's poise before audiences; ' • ■ . ^ 

Frank Fay, the play's star, later told the mantiger he thought Pemberton 
died several times during the "performance. Pemberton replied he felt 
the same way, but only died once. 



Figure quoted in these columns last week for third and final stanza of 
Joe E. Brown's "Harvey" at Nixon theatre in Pittsburgh was more than a 
Sn^na""" '^''"^^ P"* ^* $28,500. Actually show did a little more than 
?^»,b00 to establish a new record at that house for a straight play at $3 top, 
beating the previous mark held by Paul Robeson-Jose Ferrer "Othello" by 
over $500. "Harvey's"^ take all the more remarkable since it was set at the 
tag end, of a run while "Othello" was in for one week only. 



Inside USA' Into < 
Hehearsal Next Mo. 

"Inside U. S. A„" revue based on 
John Gunther's bestseller, goes into 
rehearsal in January, with Beatrice 
Lillie starred. It's being produced by 
Arthur Schwartz, in association with 
Victor.^ Samrock, general manager of 
the Playwrights Co. Schwartz will 
compose the score and Howard Dietz 
write the lyrics. Schwartz plans to 
produce a film version later, on his 
own. 

Miss Lillie is due in N. Y. next 
Tuesday (9) from England and will 
record three of the show's sohgs for 
Victor. Russell Case is orchestrating 
and will conduct. Ii6muel Ayers is 
designing the settings. 



BEHREND EUROPE TOUR 
TO STRESS U.S. MUSIC 

Philadelphia, Dec. 2. 

Jeanne Behrend, Philly-born pian- 
ist, sailed Saturday (29) aboard Hol- 
land-American liner Noordam from 
Hohoken for a concert tour of Hol- 
land, Belgium and Great Britain. 
Miss Behrend, who is a member of 
the faculty of Juilliard School of 
Music, will feature on her programs, 
native American composers who re- 
ceive mtle notice in the U. S. 

She made a similar tour of South 
America in 1945 under aegis of the 
State Dept. She will appear in the 
Hague, Rotterdam, .Antwerp, London 
and oth«r -cities. 



•WeAnttAity,. PttfMwhcr Jij' 1947 



SI 



'Annie' Hits Great $S0^, Chi, 
Limts $23M Sp3[e Jones $23 JOO 



Chiaago, Ded. 2. ■ 
"Aanio G«t Your Gun" had an 
empty seat or two at the Wednesday 
(26) matinee during the nbowstorm 
here last weeJc, but the Shubert 
leBister nevertheless rang up a huge 
S50 500. "O Mistress Mine/' at the 
Sel'wyn, hit a fine $23,000. . 

"Private Lives," at the Harris, 
eased oft to ^16,000., Previously 
light Saturday matinees of Spike 
Jones' "Musical Depreciation Revue" 
at the Studebaker, suddenly perked 
UP and the gross hit dandy $23,700. 

"All My Sons," at the Erlanger, 
eot a fair $15,000, wjth final notice 
posted lor Saturday (6). "All Gaul 
is Divided," at the Civic, shuttered 
Saturday (29). after three, weeks, 
with a feeble $9,000 for the final 

week. . . . ^ 

New openings set for December, 
all repeats, are "Voice of the Turtle," 
at the Erlanger, Dec. 23, and "Anna 
Liicasta," at -the Civic, the Shubert 
"Firefly,", at the Blackstone, and 
"Ballet Theatre," at the Civic Opera 
House, all Dec. p. 

Estimate* for iMst Wedk 

.«AU G»ul is DIvMea"— Civic (900; 
$3.00) (3d week). Closed Saturday 
(29) wilth light $9,000. 

"All My Son^— Erlanger (1,133; 
$3.60) (2d week). House picked up 
a bit with closing -notices for Satur- 
day (e);fair $15,000, ... . „, , , 

"Aunt* Get Tanr Gun^' — Shubert 
(2,100! $0) (4th week). Mary Martin 
company still scoring with gigantic 
$$2,000. 

yCI>oeolst» Soldier" — Blackstone 
(1,358! $4.80) (8th Week). Hugging 
that nifty $23,000 gross mark. 

"IWosloal Depreelatim Revne"-^ 
Studebaker (i;a46; $3.60). Corn 
growing all the time, with lovers of 
Spike Jones taking up matinee slack 
to raise hefty count to $23i700. 

<fO m*6>*mt Minc^'— Selwyn (1,000; 
$4.20) OtOt week). lEeeping. up with 
the toppers with t23,000. 

"PrtvAie L*v«i" — Harris (1.000; 
.$3.fi0) (16th week). Snow and slush 
did keep soma away from seeing 
Tallulah Banfetaead. Fair $16,000. 

Cleveland, Dec. 2. 

Three-week, session of' musicals 
ctaged br Cleveland SOO Operetta 
Co., at the 7,200-ciqpacity Civic au.< 
ditorium closed, last Saturday (29) 
with "Desert Song." Show did the 
beat bie .Of all the three musicals 
staged. With Helena Bliss and Ed- 
ward Boecker Miest'Starrlng in. 
stocked cast, the Romberg: operetta 
puIIed^ 8 reported $in;O0O fii six per- 
formances «f $8:00 top. 

Civic non-profit; group broke bet- 
ter than even on the series accord* 
Ing to Samuel C. Johnsi general, 
manager and vice-prez. Total net. 
receipts came to approximately 
$122,00<L Operating costs were $115,- 
000, siiowing an operating profit of 
about $7,000 for putting: on "Desert 
Song," "Roberta'^ with Gertrude 
Nieaen, and A'Merry Widow,': with 
Allan. Jones: and Do]pthy :Sandlin. 

Alttiough' profits w«re compara- 
tively small, they were sufficiently 
encouraging^ and the irrous is plan- 
ning another season -next' yeue, John 
said,"' ■ 

Ballet Draws $31,000, 
Extends, at Center, ]^.Y. 

strong business during its current 
stay at City Center, N. Y:, has im- 
pelled Ballet Theatre to increase its 
four weekvstay three days. Skcdded 
to :close Doc. 14, the troupe will give 
three added performances, through 
Dec. 17. Fact- that' the company 
would have, to pay its-dancers a inll 
week!s salary because of the two 
final performances Sunday (14).^itS' 
work'week' begins Sunday— partly 
Impelled the extra booking. 

However, 'the troupe has been do- 
ing exceptionally well at the Center. 
For eight performances- Wednesday 
(26) tbrouw Sunday (30), it grossed 
$31,000. only the Thursday (Thanks- 
giving) matinee being poor. Com- 
pany grossed the same /figure the 
previous week for seven perform- 
ances, Wednesday through Sunday. 

Ballet Theatre and Ballet Russe 
de Monte Carle Jointly signed a 
lease Monday (1) with the Metropoli- 
tan Opera Assn. for use of its hoiise 
. in the/ pre- and post-opera reason, 
starting; in fall of '48. Sol Hurok had 
B lO-yter lease en the house through 
spring '48, but refused to bid for 
the renewal, BT and Htt signed 
.Jointly for '68 performances' a year, 
to .be adjusted between them. 
Amount for lease is believfld to be 
around" $68,000. 



mL'MILD21G,ST.L, 

IN umpheth repeat 

St. Louis, Dec. 2. 
Victor Herbert's "Red Mill," pre- 
sented five times previously in the 
alfresco Forest Park playhouse here, 
pulled n.s.g. biz during the ilrst Of a 
two-week stand at the American 
theatre. The initial session of eight 
performances ending Saturday (29) 
grossed an estimated $21,000, with 
the 1,700-seat house scaled 'to $4.27. 
, Crix were generous with their 
plaudits for the piece and cast, head- 
lined by Dorothy Stone, Odette Myr- 
til. Buster West, Charles Collins, Ed- 
ward Dew and Sara Ann McCabe. 
"Anna Lucasta" follows "Mill" for 
a two-week engagement starting 
Monday (8). 



Ina Finales at $16^' 
•Mary' $15,800; L.A. Shaky 

Los Angeles, Dec. 2, 
Extra' holiday matinees helped 
last week, but legit biz was gener- 
ally spotty here. Decline waS: noted 
especially in the case of "The Fatal 
Weakness," which slumped to 
$16,000 in. its third and final frame 
at the Biltmore. Ina JCSaire vehicle 
garnered a middling $64,500 for the 
three weeks. 

"Weakness" was replaced at the 
downtown house, last ni|^t (Mon.) 
by "Angel Street," starring Laraine 
Day and Gregory Peck, which 
bowed into a. healthy advance. "Em- 
peror Jones" opens tonight (Tues.) 
at Las Palmas. 

Estimates for Last Week 
"Bisolcaiita of 1847," El Capital 
(284th week) (1,142; $2.40)— Holiday 
matinee boosted the revenue to 
$1»,200. 

"Mary Bad a Little," Belasco (3d. 
week) (1,061. "$2:40)- Extra mats 
and upped scale ($3,00) at wedc- 
ends pushed it up to .a. nice i$15,860. 
Road tour in' the offing, 

"Xhe Fatal Wealoness,*' Biltmore 
(3d week) (1,636; $3:60)— Slumped 
to $16,000 in final itrame, for a 
^54,500 total on the tiire» wedcs-. 

^Tbe House of Bemasdk .Alba," 
Coronet (2d week) (289; ^60)-^Off 
this week to $3,300, - about 70% 
capacity. 



San Francisco, Dec. 2. 
"Dream Ghrl,". with Lucille Ball, 
chalked up a second and final 
week gross of $18,500 at the 
1.776-seat Curran here last. week. 
There was plenty of profit at that 
figure. Maurice Chevalier opens 
Thursday J4) at the house lor a 
1 '-day run, with a olaimed advance 
sale of $n,000. 



Haila Stoddard Turtle' 
$7^200 in Four Shows, K.C. 

Kansas City, Dec. 2. 

Second legit company in as many 
weeks played the Music Hall here 
under A ft N Presentations for the 
Thanksgiving weekend, Thursday- 
Saturdtiy (37*29). Hurec-day, four- 
performance stand of "Voice of the 
Turtle" rang up $7,200 fake, with a 
$3 top for evenings and $2.50 for 
mats. Haila Stoddard heads the cast 
of the company. 

"Turtle" is the last legit, the town 
will see until Christmas week; "The 
Red MUl" is due Dec. 25. 

Hose fibie,' 22(], 

Boston, 'Dec. 2i» 

Only opener last week was '.'Rose 
Marie," at the Opera House. Got 
cordial notices and proceeded to do 
more biz than anytliing else lifere. 
"Lady Windermere," off Guild aus- 
pices this week, dropped consider-^ 
ably, but others gained on finale. 

.In this week are "Firefly," at the 
Opera House, and "The Gentleman 
From AthenSi" at the Plymouth, with 
"Song of Norway" coming Monday 
(8) to the ShuhOrt. 

Estimates for Last Week- 

"Lady Windermere's Fai^V CSolo- 
nial (1.500; $3.60) (3d, wk>. Without 
Guild auspices, - dronoed .off to an 
estimated^ $18,000. Good; current- 
week final. 

"Base- Maifo,'' Opera House 
(3,000; $3.60) (1st week). Second of- 
fering of revival .repertory got a big 
estimated $22,000; better than pre- 
vious week's "Merry Widow." Cur- 
rent ''Firefly" completes' the billi : 

"33i« Medium," and "Xhe Tett-; 
phone," Majestic (1,-500; .$4>2Q) (2d. 
wk;) . Gained a' IitUe>' on seeood week- 
io touch a nicer.$El9,000. Final week 
current. ■ , .■■•"^ 

"XOBiglit at 8:3«,» Shubert (1,700; 
$4.a)) (2d wk). Expected more but 
gained to estimated $20,000. 



' (Period co«er{t^t'D*e. I'-lSi) 
'■All My Sobs" — Erlanger, Chi. 
(1-6). 

"AngtH in the Wittf s^ XV>nest, 
PhiUy (1-6), 

"ABcel Street*'— Biltmore, L. A. 
(1-13). . . 

"Arnia Lucasta"— Cox, Cincy CI -6); 
American, St. Louis (8-13). 
. "Annie' Get ITonr Gan»— Shubert, 
Chi. (1-13). • 

"BfaMlMiat* at 1949"— El Capitan, 
Hollywood (1-13). 
"Csronsel"— Cassi Det. (1-6). 
Maurice' Chevalier— Curran, Frisco 
(4^13). . 
"Chocolate Soldier" — Blackstone, 

Chi. (1-m ^ 

"Dream Girl" -^ Curian, Frisco 
(1); Mayfair, PortlMuL (3>4^; Tunpley 
Tiiipoma (S>6); Capitol, YcMma (8); 
Met., Seattle (ft-m, 

"Batal ■WeaKncss"-r-Aud., San Di- 
ego (1); Aud., Pasadena (2); -Aud., 
Fresno (3-4); Aud;, Stockcton. (S); 
Aud.^ Sacramento (6); Geary Frisco 
(8-12). 

"Harvey"— English, IndplB. (1-6); 
Davidson, Mil. (8-13). 

"I aemeinbcr Mama" — Locust, 
PhUly (1-13). 

"&«dy Windermere's Fan"— Colo- 
nial, Bost. (1-0); Erlanger, Buff: (8- 
13). 

'•Medinm." "TeI^hone"'-t-Majestic 
Bost. <M3). 

"O Mistress Mine"— SelWyn, Chi. 
(1-13). 

"Oklahoma!"— 'Ford's, Balto. (1-6); 
Empire, Syracuse (8-13). 

"Private Lives" — Harris, Chi. 
(MS). 

"Show Boat" — Shubert, Philly 
(1-13). 

"Sons of Norway" — Aud., Roch. 
(1-2); Erlanger, Buff. (3-6); Shubert, 
Boston (8-13). 

"State of the Union"— Par., Ama- 
rillo (1); Majestic, Wichita Falls (2); 
Melba, Dallas (3-4); Par., Austin (5); 
Tfexasi San Antonio (6) ; Music HaU, 
Houjston (8-9); Poche, New Orleans 
(11-13).- 

"SWeethearts" Shubert, New 
Haven (1-6); Nat'l, Wash. (8-13). 

"Mio Firefly" — Opera Hse., Bost 
(1-13). 

"The Gentleman From Athens"— 

Plymouth, Bost. (1-6). 
"The Late Christopher Bean" — 

Shubert-Lafayette, Det. (1-6); Cox, 
Cincy (8-13), 

"The Bed Mill" — American, St. 
Louis (l'-6); Orpheum, D'pori (.8) 
Iowa, Cedar Rap. (8); Par , Waterloo 
(10); Aud., St. Paul (11-13). 

"Tonight at 8:30" — Shubert, Bost. 
(1-6); Forrest, Philly (8-13). 
. "Voloe Of the TorUe"— KRNT, Des 
MoinQ.-? (1); Parkway, Madison (2); 
Davidson, Mil. (?-6)}' Shubwt-La- 
layette, Det. (8-X3). 



Pittsburgh, Deci 2; 
'Song, of Norway" did a sizzling. 
$^000 at Nixon last week to hang 
up a new lef^t -high for the season 
so far. Show' started out strong, on 
heels of .big advance sale, -and never 
let do'wn' a minute, even, packing a 
Thanksgiving Day matinee, which 
Sued: been eliminated around, here 
years ago because there was ..seldom 
any call for it. 

General feeling- locally was that 
'booking "Norway" in for single 
week, especially since it's- been 
proven, in past that this is no-longer 
just .a- six-iday town, was little short 
of criminal. Musical hit. could easi- 
ly- have stayed two or three since 
they^ were begging, for seats all 
tlirough the- engagement: Played to . 
$tJV> top (includihg tax). 

Nixon will be exclusi've'ly musical- 
minded now ri^t tlnrougti January.' 
■fMerry Widow," current, will be 
followed by "Hose Marie," "Thfr 
Firefly," "Sweethearts" and "aiow 
Boat," the latter twp for 10 day^ 
and two weeks, respectively. 



mwAr sam at 



Turkey Wed &avy Oadoofc%(i 
Ikngii Weekend Tasty for B'wayi; 
CiixHotforComeH-'aeo;Wowl8i;^G 



'Harvey' Bul^^,000, 
Ciney Settles With AFM 

Cincinnati, Dec, 2. 

Joe E. Brown in "Harvey" raag- 
neted a bulging $22,-000 last week in 
the 1,300-seat Cox theatre, at $3*0 
top. Figure exceeded the- regular 
capacity scaling duetO the use. of 38 
extra chairs in the orchestra pit,' 
plus: standees. 

House- has been without music 
this season because of a- di.«igieo- 
ment between the Shuberts and 
Cincy Local No. 1, American Fedei-- 
ation of Musicians, on points of a 
new contract: Theatre management 
refused to hire musicians for dra- 
matic shows and the union would 
not consent to have its men play 
only for musicals. Settlement was 
reached Friday (28) in New York, 
the Shuberts resuming to hire a 
minimum of seven musicians "for 
dramatic productions and a mini- 
mum of 12 for musicals. The new 
contract liecomes -efitective Jan. 1 
and necessitates rebooking of musi- 
cal shows whose learliM Cincy dates 
had been, canqelled. 

Cox- has ^'Anna Lucasta" this 
week.*'. 



*hag4' ISG, Port. 

Portland, Ore., Dec. 2. 

Laraine Day and Gregory Peck, in 
"Angel Street," concluded a three- 
day run, Sunday-^Tuesday (23-25), 
at the 1,500-seat Mayfair, with a 
capacity. $15,000 at $3,60 top. Four 
performances were a sellout Several 
days before the opening. 

Advance sale for ''Dream Girl," 
starring Lucille Ball,,, tomorrow 
,<Wed.) and Thursday.. <:4t).:«t,- $3.60 
top, indicate another capacity house 



Except for the standouts Thanks- 
giving week was something of a 
disappointment on Broadway. First 
part' was considerably on, Friday 
and Saturday (28-29) seeing the re- 
verse when tickets for even long 
stayers were hard to get. A 
number of Wednesday matinees 
were switched to the holiday, there 
being 18 out of the lift's total of 29 
shows playing that afternoon. Near- 
1;^ all did well, seven selling out and 
eight faring very well. 
. "Antony and Cleopatra" opened to 
press praise, and performances after 
the midweek premiere played to 
standees, with takings for the first 
five times around $18,500. Interest 
this week goes to the debut of "A 
Streetcar Named Desire," regarded 
a sure thing at tryout; a calypso re- 
vue is also due in late this week, 
current title being "Caribbean Car- 
nival." "Eastward in. Eden" ended 
after two weeks. Two tryouts can-, 
ceiled plans for Broadway and. 
.stopped. Edith Piaf is due oif this, 
week. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C. (.Comedy), D (Drama), 
CD (Comedu-Drama) , R (Revue) , 
M (JtfMsicoD. O (Operetto). 

"Allegro," Majestic t7th week) 
(M-1,695; $6). Call for ticiects is in- 
creasing in agencies, whicli have a 
limited number availal>le bacause of: 
parties; holds list 'leadership; $49^500 
approximate!' . 

'*An Ihapectar Calisi" Booth (6th 
weak) (D-712; $4:80). Only^ fairiy 
good to date; .Stilish meUer said to . 
turn operating* profit) ^,S0O esti- 
mated. 

"Annie Got 'Swr Gtm," Imperial- 
(81st week) (M''l,472; $9.60). Only 
"Allegro" tops the musical that led 
the list' for year; sold- out' consist- 
ently; bit- off but nearly $44r,000. 

"Born Testcrday,'' Lyceum (96th 
week) (C-993; $4i80). An exception 
to the trend last week, and takings 
close to $19,000 level; leaks more' 
certain to span another season. 

"BriKsdoon," Ziegfeld (38th. week) 
(M-1,62S; $4^80). Not affected more 
than couple of hundred dollars,' 
mostly because of 'bad weather, early 
last week; dose to $^000.' 

. "Caribbeam Csraivail," ' Interna- 
tional (R'-l,'17d;-^:8a). Colored revue 
that was postponed now dated to 
bow in Friday (8). • 

"Comnandv Beeision,^ Fulton (9th 
week) (D-»68;'"$«:80). Not' materially 
affected but'-some variation; gross 
quoted, at-around. $21,000. 

"Call Me lMBI«tw,".J'lymouth (85th 
week) (R-1,075; $4.80). Advertising 
last weeks, but rovne is due' to stick 
through holidays; last week perked 
to $24,SM. 

"Eastward in Eden," Royale (D* 
1,035; $4.80). Takwi oB' Saturday 
('20); played only two 'weeKs; nestt 
attraction is^ "Medea," movingi. up 
from National Dec. IS: n,. . 

"Flnlan's Bainbow,? 46th Street 
(47th wee*) (M-l,31&; $8). Only a 
variance- of few hundred doliiirs> 
early last Week; ■which was mad» 
un by 'Standee money; count again 
nearly $42,000. 

Fwr Love or Lioney," Miller (4th 
week) (C-940: IfiM). ImpetiK o£: 
favorable foUowup publicity betv 
tered takings hcane^ with gross- quoted 
over $1S,QOO; no parties: 

Sapity Birtbdar," J3roadburst 
(57th weelc) (C-l,l«»; $«.80), Went 
off. like most, others; takings around 
"".;500; "Still making money and 
aimed through winter. 

"Harve-T," 4"* St. (Iffid werft) 
(C-902; $4.20) . Some dtff erenco in 
attendance; just as other. lon^; stay- 
ers, 'but turned in excellent .gross of 
$16,500. 

"Hlrb Button -Sliacs," Century 
(9th week) (M-l,e70; $4.80). With 
parties and high agency call, gross 
going to new high; nearly $43,000. 

"Icetime> of 194S," Center (27th 
week) (M-2,994; $2.40). Always picks 
up at Iioliday timei and- last vreeif 
sliating revue was quoted getting. 
$42,000 with an extra matinee. 

"John Loves Mary," Music Box 
(43rd week) (C-979; $4.80). Had its 
ups and downs like others, but has 
been consistently profitable;. Volcay 
last, week- around .$15,800.' 

"Musle In It^ Baact;^ AdelpM 
(9th wedt) (0-L4S4;. $».8a). Doing 
very well, vaiying accotding to thC' 
aire parties; last week' djinped to 
m500L- 

"Oklsbouk!", St, James (2Slst 
week) (M-1,505: $4.80). Late in week 
just as hard to get, tickets as -ahy 
show on list; run leader jumped to 
$23:500, 

"Streetcar Named Desire," Barry- 
more (D-1,064; $4.80). Presented by 
Irene M. Selznicii; written by Ten^ 
ne.ssee Williams; di'ama attracted 
excellent, money out of town; opens 
tonight (3). ^ 

"The Heiress,'*' BUfmore (9th 
W6ck) (D-920; $4.80). Some fluctuar 
tion but definitely in hit class with 
strong agency ' demand; around 
$22,600. 

"The DEuid Circle," Morosco (6th 
wfek) (D-&3Si; $4.80). Ih th& down- 
ward trend English drama did hoi 



fare so well, and takings approxi* 
mated $11,000. 

"The Voice of the Tartle," Hudson 
(190th week) (C-1,057; $3.60). Ap- 
pears to be nearing end -of except 
tional stay; slated until Xmas hoU- 
days; $6,500; moved here frc Beck. 

"The WInslow Boy," Empire (5th 
week) (D-1,102; $4.80). Very good 
$18,500. 

"Voung Man's Fancy," Cort (31st 
week) (C:-l,064; $3.60). Despite 
length of stay hasn't made money; 
last week up, $8;500, 

BE-VIVALS 
"Antony and Cleopatra," Beck (1st 
week) CD-1,214; $4.80). Opened to 
fine press and was over capacity 
from start; got $18,500 in first five 
times. ' 

"The First Mrs. Fraser," Shubert 
(4th week) (CD-1,880; $3.60). Play- 
ing Sundays, to bolster mild pace 
of stopgap revival; hoiuse soon gets 
'High Button* Shoes"; $9,000. 

"Medea," National (Clh week) (D- : 
1,164; $4,80). Heavy drama has 
caught on better than expected- and 
takings close to top among straight 
plays; $30,000. 

"Man and Superman,^' Alvin (8th 
week) (CD-1,331; $4.80). Another re- 
.vival getting better attendance- than . 
expected and will probably span sea- 
son; better than $31,500. 

'Burlcsqve;" Belasco (49th week) 
(G-il,077; ^4:80). Like most other 
stayers, Imsiness 'dipped :l3St we^ ■ 
estimated at around $l%500,,butin{gr 
play past New Year!s. 

ADBED ATTRACTION 
PlaybOBse (865; $4.80). Edith Piaf- 
and other French acts in vande rou- 
tine; diie off; Saturd^ (ft) aftw si» 
and. one-half weeks; fairljr icood' 
business: 



'Shxetear'W 




.Philatdelphiat'DecJI: V 

The real^ soclceroo -itere last -week- - 
was "Streetcar Named Desire," which 
grossed a capacity $24,580 second 
s^ester at the Walnut Limited, 
capacity of the. house and' fact '.that 
the show was on ATS sulncription 
were only factors' that kept'the gross ' 
under ■$3O',O0O. . v 

The "Show Boat" revival " got' ' 
$36,500 in its .seconct week- at th»' ' 
Shubert, a -gain of about $8;-00O over 
the first week; Th» musical stay* 
five weeks: 

Despite good notices, "Angel-in the. 
Wings," the intimate revue- with th*. 
Hartmans- at the Fon-est, drew onlT 
about $11,900' in its. first week, -ft . 
remains anothec wei^' and 'may! 
build. . '. , 

Fourth legitfrr was "I Remember • 
Mama," which upped to $16^500 on . 
second of four weeks! sliedded-at.the . 
Locust. That was profitable for the 
Charlotte Green'wooa; starrer, 'but • 
long way from capacity- for tills ' 
largecrcapacityv lower .floor houses - 

Nothing, is- neVK .ea the hiUs this: .. 
weehv but Gertrude La-wrence comes 
to the Forrest neatt Monday (S) . lO' 

TOni^t nf -8:30." Bngagemoit is for - 
two weeks and two diffetiont' bills* 
of one-acters wecei. originally plan- 
ned for alternate nif^tS» but. now' 
one' group .Will bO' done the first . 
weeli' and the othRr group the' . 
second weeks -n 



' ' ' Baltimore;. Dec. .2, ' 

"Oklahoma" played, the first of a 
two-week repeat dato at Ford's last 
week and mounted a rousing total 
of $31,000. With, extra performance 
Sunday night (30), added advance 
buying indicating, even bigger figure 
.for second round. 

Following, a. dark we^, "I R«- 
m«nber Mama" is set for DeK 15, 



TownlbrkTlii&m 

Washington, Dec. 2, 
The National theatre, the town** 
sole legiten finds itseU dtek- this : 
week- at 'the height, of titer season. . 
but returns to turnstile music rieixt 
weeki- The. house raclied' up $16,000 
last, week for .the revival, of "Firer 
fly," the operetta playing- to a $9 
top, including tax. Due. in Mondag;' . 
(8) for a fortnight is Bobby Clark , 
in Victor Herbert's "Sweetlwarts," 
with Charlottf Green v/ood then ' 
due for another two weeks' In "l *- 
Rfsmemberj.Msma" which wiIk.'Mt 
the lush bi3!,:«£/tbe<.'Chdsttni»Si>Nei!ir«^ 
,Year:.week.-.'-.' "■ ,-. 



Plays on Broadway 



Anfony and Cleopatra 

<REVIVA|i) 

ItttUutrtna C*i'n*n producttqn ot Simlte- 
ipoai'O'a araroa ta two parts. Siars Miss 
lornoll anS Qodftey TearUj teaturea Kent 
„tullh, Leoore Ulrlo, Ralph Clanton, Ivati 
SlAipBon. Stateea by Outhrje MoClIntlc; sct- 
-tinsB, Leo K^rz; men'a coalumes deslgn^a 
bv John Boyt, women's by ytHentlna! 
umalc, Paul Notdoff. OpaMd at Beck, 
N. T:, Nov. 89, '«i $4,80 top. „, ' 

piiilo ......... i > .\ °. . . . Alan Shayne 

DBniotrlu*.. Theodore Mbmusb 

Antony. . .■ Godfrey Tearle 

Gleopatt-a ICathoTine X'otneil 

A Messenger .....Pavld J. SUwart 

bolajiella Bobert Dulta 

Proc'uleluB Charlton Heatpn 

IraAi. 1 . ..Maureen Stapleton 

fcharmlan Lenore tjirte 

Alexas 

Dlomedes Ell WaJlaoh 

Enobarbua , Kent Smith 

M.«rdlap Jdseph Wiseman 

Octavlu* C|i«sar .Ralph Clanton 

tepidns, . ....»,. .lyan Simpson 

Affcippa.. ; :Davld Orrlck 

■ Pompey , 1 . .Joseph Holland 

Menasr.x...'.. Martin Kinssley 

VarriUB. .Barnet Biro 

Vantldtus..: ,' Bruce Gordon 

Oc'lavla Betty Low 

Canldlus .....i. Dayton Uummis 

Bros Douglass Watson 

fillusi f . . . . . • .Charles Nolle 

hyreus ...........•.>•••• . Robert Canicart 

Caurils.-. ;\ ....... .. .. .Gilbert Bcado 

((SallUs.:!.- RUdnlph Wat«on 

tn Old Soldier .Bruce Gordon 
carus ....Anthony Randall 

Buphrontn i <*. .BSrneat ,Rowa'; 

Jjeroetas. .Martin -KingsleS 

■ K. Clown.-.»; - OUver CU« 

Slaves, Gtaards, Sehraitta,' SoldlBrs: John 

B.USSO, Feter Bama, Drumniond Brshinei 
Mfltred HMU, Or>:Itt Jlddfleil^. Cha?l9» I^olt, 
jTameci .Orndler, I^wtence Perron. 

There hasft't been a comparable 
Broadway production of the Bards 
rarely-presented tragic love story be- 
tween Cleopatra, "the serpent of the 
Kile,*' and Marc Antony, the Roman 
gladiator. It may not be a wow at the 
boxoflice htJt should span the winter. 
As with r'Antony and Cleppatra," 
Shakespeare has his limits on the 
main stem' but he's invariably a pres- 
tige>fouUder. ■ . ^ 

. ' °!Cleopafefa" is Katherine. Cornell's 
. «ontributioh to the. Season, played 
., under the. direction of her nusband, 

■ Guthrie McClintic, who. is something 
. of a magician- himself. With God- 
frey Tearle, who came from London 
td play Antony, Miss Cornell heads 
ft crack' cast in a. performance "that 
Consumes nearly three hours. But it 
isn't' ^n audience endurance test; in 
particular, the^ second act of nearly 
9d minutes held fli?stnighters raptly. 

- There are solUoquies and inter- 
ludes of quietude, wlth'the group of 
thespians performing with marked 
excellence. That notably includes 
JVD^s Cofnell, who hasn't gone In 
much for :the Band's works hereto- 
fore, ;She may not be the sexy Cleo 
that is usually envisioned but the 
star and.dhrector. are seemingly well 
nwate that thet regal Egyptian was 
' apptoacMng- middle, ages. >Still,. her 
Mtense yen for . the Italian, warrior 
& very isvident at times. 

Miss Cornell's Cleo reaches the top 
In the first act, when she raves upon 
Naming . that " her , lover, recently 
IwiBOwed, had married Ootavia, sis- 
ter to young Caesar. Tearle's Antony 
Is tops In the second part, after be 
has tasted victory for a moment owy« 
to soon see that "all is lost," his! 
fimbition of then world domination 
MA&'ob top of which is a false re- 
foft that his queenly .Egyptian lover 
Is dead. She soon Hies, however,-. 
■When Anthony had suicided. 
Cleo'g manner , of passing, a regal 
prerogative, coriies as she sits upright 
•fter putting the "poisonous worm" 
<aSp) to her breast. ,■ ' 

Settings, lighting and costumes afC' 
strongly contributing faotote in' mak^ 
fag "Cleo" an attraction of dis-? 
tinction. Stepped platforms consti- 
tute the b^sic scenic background. The. 
production in total provides one of 
the "most ' striking series of scene*, 
with vivid. lig}jting:eflects. McClintic 
made some revisions of the original 
play and several- transpositions, all 
of which certainly add to the pey* 
iorq[kauce. , - 

Among pthey standouts are Kait 



Smith as Enobarbus, friend and ad- 
viser to Antony; Ivan Simpson as 
Lepidus, David Orrick as Agrippa, 
Ralph Clanton as Ootavius Caesar, 
Lenore Ulric as Charmian, Betty 
Low as Octavia, and Joseph Holland 
as Pompey. There are over 30 pro- 
grammed players and all are exceP" 
tionally well schooled in their parts. 

Classic drama, especially Shake- 
speare, frequently will have action 
and lines that could apply to the 
present day. This includes the play 
about the fabulous Cleo, during which 
there are a number of doublecrosses. 
Leo Kerz, who designed the settings, 
is not a familiar name on Broadway, 
nor is John Boyt, who did the male 
costume designs. Valentina designed 
the femme period roles, namely Miss 
Cornell's. Effective background mu- 
sic by Paul Nordofl is another of 
the show's attributes. Ibec, 

Faust 

(IN OEftMtAN) 

■ The - Players" Erom Abroad produotjon ot 
Goethe's drartisi ■ Stars- Albert and Else 
Basserman. Staged by teon Askin; super- 
vised by G. v. Gontard, At Barbl2on Plaza, 
theatre, N. T., opening Nov. 27, '411 ■. Oi^st 
indudes Ilta Hagen. Leon AsUin, Walter- 
Bngel, Lelo Field. Vilma Kuerer. 



Nothing of the breadth and poetry 
of Goethe's "Pawst"— even its first 
part only— is lightly to be com- 
pressed within the confines of any 
stage, and especially not as small a 
stage as that at the Barbizon. The 
result 'is a production that tries con« 
tinually to escape the too-narrow 
physical limitations of a simple im- 
pressionistic set. Nor does it often 
overcome the liandicaps of- an 80- 
year-old' Mephistopheles and a'Sup-> 
porting cast th'at varies from ama.- 
teurish to th6- sensitive fineness of 
Uta Hagen's Gretchen. 

The general idea seems to be to 
provide a field day for the' visibly- 
aged Basserman. Althpugh this was 
scarcely, needed , to consolidate - his 
position as first actor of the German 
stage, the old gentleman plays his 
Satanic majesty with a mixture of 
painful acrobatics . and sincere dec-- 
lamation that would be no less ad- 
mirable, although possibly nfore cont 
yincing, in a younger playet, He 
chooses to depict his devil as a sar- 
donic fellow m a rather comic cos- 
tume, with a sword getting in his 
way more often than not. His cavort- 
ings' are on the painful side while 
his reading of the ancient -poetry of 
the script are a -treat to ears tob 
rarely .privileged to hear (or under- 
stand) Uhe teutonic Shakespeare. 

Leon Askin's Faust is a lot njiore 
believable than Basserman's devil, 
To one not attuned to the old mas- 
ter's eminence the evening might be 
awarded to Askin rather than th6- 
star. Miss Hagen does her Gretchen 
With a . quiet beauty and sincerity 
marred only by a German accent de- 
cidedly different - 0irom those sur- 
rounding her even to the American 
ear. 

It's clearer than' ever that Goethe's 
Paust is for another day, and, if it 
must be produced, for a larger and 
better-equipped, stage manned by 
more agile .players-. The present pro*^ 
duction, will '.certainly please thosfe 
addicted tastqe German classics and' 
Basserman, |{ could do no more. 



pecially of a political or ideological 
nature, begin life under a distinct 
handicap. . 

The setting is an old Virgimj 
mansion, but nearby AVashington, es- 
pecially the House of Representa- 
tives, is the scene for off-stage action. 
Stephen Socrates Christopher, the 
congressman from Athens, Cal., is a 
crude but exuberant Greek-Ameri- 
can who gained power and money by 
"pushing before being pushed. Al- 
though he bought his way mtq Con- 
gress he decides to play the legislator 
role straight because of an in-born 
respect for democratic government. 

To get a classy background . he 
rents the family home of a part-time 
girl liberal who, disillusioned and 
frightened by a trip to war-ravaged 
countries in Europe, decides .to use 
the lease money to hide out in South 
America. The girl is the fiancee of 
the Greek's friend antl mentor, a 
coHgressman from New .York., When 
the Greek insists upon introducing a 
bill his first day in the House, the 
New Yorker eives him his pick of 
bills ignored ttie preyious session. 

The Greek picks the world govern- 
mient bill and goes overboard on the 
idea. The girl, imbued With his en- 
thusiasm, decides to stay on as, his 
secretary. Popular opinion swjngs 
behind the bill but. the would-be 
legislator is stymied by .powerful op- 
position in Congress. 

Deciding to use the same tactics 
which helped him to power, the 
new legislator steamrollers the bill 
through, the. House. Then the op- 
position learns of the bought , election 
and is preparing to force him out of 
the House when the Greek's hench- 
man learns unsavory details in the 
personal life of the opposition leader, 
The Greek is getting ready to broad- 
cast the scandal when the girl re- 
turns and convinces him that honesty 
and fair play are the best policy; 



Hays Abroad 




Phy Old of Ttwi 



"I saa an<l f«*t l>«fter now that I 
have Kaan^Sight Contact Lansai, 
and highly raeommand -therti to 
anyonia with poor visioin," 

•^Rogar . Pryor. 

n|i[^H|{ijr 

PHONE FOR INFORMATION OB AlPPT. ^ 
2ir.Y.: Sal HikdlMMk Av«, <?a FSi>»»> 
FI. 3-S4M 
Open Mondtty Till e:$0 P.M. 
Brooklyn! «7S UvlnRSton Street 
XB 5-106S 
Open Thursday Till 6:S0 P.Sr. 
A COMPLETE OPMCAi BKBVICE 
tfO>'KER8 IN PLASTIC COTACT 

•'IJfVISIBLE" MNSBS 
CJUr IBI8 »D X-OK SSIKEBKNCJC: 



GenMcman .From Athens 

Wilmington, Nov. 28. 

Martin Goach (in azanclatlon with Eunice 
Healey) production ot comedy in three acts 
(ftve scenes) :by JSmmet I;*avery. Directed 
by Sam Wananinlcer; settlns and HghtinB 
by Baluh . Alswang. Qpefied at Playhouse, 
Wilmington, Nov; a8.29, '47; *S top. 

Vincent KUpatrlck Watson White 

Mary iCllpatrlck. . .Ethel Browning 

ftforgan JKlIpatrtck Alan Hewitt 

r.ee Kirpatrlelc, Edith Atwater 

Daniel : Cretghton Thompson 

Big Ed I,a-wrenee Gavin Gprdou 

st.ephen Socrates Chtlstophef 
, ^ Anthony Qulnn 

Igor Stepenov. Feodor Chaliapin 

Newsreel Director . . .Loranoei Kerr 

■ Sllke Hyltowskl. .............. .'.LOU Polnn 

C^ongresaman Andrews. i. .Leopold 13'adla 
Congressman BOrgsen. . .... . . . .Ed liatittier 

' Congressman Harnell Arthur Jarrott 

Congressman (Mrs.) Strlngley 

. ■ . ; ' Elsie May Gordon 

■ Hadio and Kewsreel Crews; Frank Jlo\van, 
Oliver Crawford, Ijeonard Auorbach, 



Emmet Lavery has penned a play 
with a controversial theme in 
"Gentleman from Athens." It is an 
all-out plea for world government to 
stave off atomic warfare, which, 
Lavery claims, is inevitable in a 
world ruled by power politics. Both 
the play and playwright probably 
will be widely cussed and discussed, 
and that, if for no other reason, 
should assure a better than average 
run. The hint that this play had a 
subversive coating is not borne out. 
Alarmist, yes; but hardly commu- 
nistic. 

'Viewed as entertainment it leaves 
much to be desired. It's strictly a 
one-idea play, and at times the 
author is so engrossed in his main 
thesis that dramatic values suffer. 
But Lavery is a gifted writer and he 
can concoct pithy, sparkling dialog. 
And there is no denying the. sincerity 
and forcefulness of his arguments 
that it's a case of "one world or 
none,V Experitece has shown, how- 
ever, that plays with a message, eS- 



The nurtain falls with the my de- 
ciding to drop his revenge plain, re- 
turn to Athens, win an election 
honestly and come back to washing- 
ton to .continue the battle. 
- "The producers have assembled a 
tppflight cast headed by Anthony 
Quinn as the Greek-American. His 
is a grade A .perfbrmance .with fine 
character shading and ^ood. comedy 
touches. He sparkplugs the whple 
play. As the girl, Edith Atwatejr 
attractive and capable, and a delight- 
ful portrayal of a gentl.e. old bi^. 
turned in by Ethel Browning. 

Gavin Gordon enacts the hero s 
sophisticated mentor, a practical poli- 
tician unable .to stomach the world 
government idea. "The opposition 
leader is well played by Arthur 
Jarrett, a politician ivho sees no 
cause for worry, as the t[. S."is the 
only nation with the atbmic bomb. , 
Comedy roles are excellently done 
by Iau Polan as the behchman; 
F^odor Chaliapin' as a Soviet em- 
bassy attache, and Alan Hewitt, a 
bored society radio ■ broadcaster 
whose best friend is '-the bottle. 
Others rating bows are Creighton 
Thompson, Msie May Gordon, -Wat* 
son White, Leopold Badia and Ed 
Latimer. 

Sam Wanamaker has directed with 
good, effect, and Ralph Alswang's 
setting is impressive. Klep. 

NEW TRIAL WON BY 
JACOBS TIXAGCY.€ROll 

New Yolrk ticket agency nien, es: 
peciaUy 'those in the. neighb<>rhood 
of Madison Square Garden, buzzed 
over the reversal Friday (28)' of a 
conviction, for overcharging, and th^ 
order for a new trial by the appelj- 
late division of the N. Y. supreme 
court, qf Wilfred Betts, Martin 
Hirsch, Leonard Cohen and Williani 
Henry of the Jacobs ticket office. 
Agency is controlled by Eddie Rey- 
nolds, not named in the indictment, 
and Betts. It was formerly operated 
by Mike Jacobs, fight, promoter for 
the. Garden, who is ill and in semi- 
retirement. Latter disclaimed any 
connection with, the ticket office, v 

Sol Gelb, former N, Y. assistaiit 
district attorney, argued for the 
defendants, contending that the ar- 
resting oificer had submitted hear- 
say evidence when obtaining a 
magistrate's warrant. Gelb's con- 
tentions evoked the interest of other 
attorneys in the amusement district. 
He pointed out that the policeman 
listened in on the agency's tapped 
telephone lines and claims he. heard 
the Jacobs' clerks (j.uote prices for 
fight ticlccts considerably |n excess 
of the boxoffice rat6$. Because the 
officer had destroyed his original 
notes, he depended upon his mem- 
ory to verify the allegations, Gelb 
added; it was a point brought dtit in 
the trial, but heavy fines were levied 
anyway. State law limits the price 
of -agency tickets to 7Sc. over the 
boxoffice scale. 

Appeal was heard in September by 
five justices— Peck, Gleimon, Doi^^ 
Cohn and Callahan. Justice Edward 
Dore dissented from the revefssl 
but voted to reduce Betts' fine from' 
$1,500 to $750. Evidence obtained 
over the tapped wire was not con* 
fined to fight tickets but for several 
Broadway hit. shows also. 



Graiid Gulgtt«l 

Paris, Nov. 18. 
Mrt. Eva. Berknon's pioduetion of four 
short plays, two dramas and two (jomedlea 
(two of two .lOts each, and two ot ono aot). 
Four plays shown instead ot usual live «l 
this Montmartro house, lylth one ot drAmas, 
instead ot being tailov-made tor spot, a 
forelBn play "Meurtre Au ViJlHSe," adapted 
in Frenoli by Mattel KDwsBDPj , f*th»r ot 
Bamton Falniitber,- who Mtft )n U. 

FAITS DIVESS 
('N<iwiip#per Stories') 
(One act driiiiia by Norbert N»lpas) 

Marthe Miaryae Jjeroy 

Agaths, ..,'.-.'...'..: . Henee Gardes 

Marie . .Marianne Mussst 

Marcel .Henry Nalpas 

Directed by Mrs. KVa Berkson. 

Even for the Gtand Guignol, this 
is sensational and partly because of 
Henry Nalpas' performance as the 
killer. He*!? so repulsive that in a 
house where most of the women are 
used to this sort ot thinlt^ they can't 
help shrjieking. He looks a natural 
for this sort of role on the screen. 

Introduced as a gunman of five 
years ago who, with a pal, committed 
a murder and left the latter in 
charge bf th§ stolen jewelry, he is 
shown back in France. He finds 
his pal had died in jail, and so he 
claims his share from the family. 
The women first pretend the police 
got the, jewels but he forces the 
wife. to admit she has some of the 
loot left. .They fight and she is 
killed in cold blood. The daughter 
then ' tries to seduce him biit lie, 
turns her down, So she digs a knife 
into his back. 

The fetnmes are good, and the 
crooked dive set is realistic. 



MEVETBE AV VILLAGE 
('Village Murder') 
' (OraiiM, 111, two acts. adapted ll>y 
M. Mattel- Bouwou troni'I.' M, Cara- 
cUlft's It«U»i>) . . 

Ion . i ...,> r ..... t . • , Samson Fainsllber 

Ghed^ghe. ..,',.,.,:.•>.'.'.:.... Iteite Berthler 

Ancal ',',•■>'.••*.;....... .'Andree Ducret 

DrAgoihlp. , > • 1 . , ,\ . , r< ,. . . k . rvTony Laurent 
Plrect«d by Samson Falnailber> 



comes this new vehicle for the pair 
with all the old situations and in- 
anities reshuffled and embellished. 
Good local appeal but not suited for 
U. S. , ' ■ 

This time the couple is innocently 
■ involved in black marketing and 
enda up in the hoosegow after being 
hoodwinked into participation. Lynh 
plays* a prodigal returning to the 
ancestral home to make peace with 
grandpa, after sundry visits to the 
clink. Hare is land steward of the 
estate and secretly married t<i» the 
ot^ man's granddaughter. , 

Grandpa decides to leave his for- 
tune to his two grandchildren dn 
condition they marry, the cousins 
having once "been engaged. This 
causes upheaval all around, com- 
plicated by , the men getting en- 
tangled in the disposal «f masses 
of ill-gotten mysterious boxes found 
in the cellars which they are led 
to believe are the grandfather's 
property. From then on if is just a 
chase by the police until things are 
squared up, the lawfully married 
lovers are .united and the light- 
fingered nephew ties up with grand- 
pa's pretty nurse. 

Slick^ production an4 general cast- 
ing support are commendable. 

Story is pure farce, .with the main 
characters bearing no resemblance 
to human adults, but is roistering 
fun and will provide good Christ- , 
ihas tare for the hundreds of tans 
of the popular team. Clem. 

the Tragedy of Man 

, Budapest, Nov. 11. 

National Theatre production of drama by 
Inire Madnph. Directed by Beld Botli' 
Music, Sandor Veres; orchestra conducted 
by Gyul.a David; set, Matyas Varga; cos- 
tiimes, Teres Nagyajtay, At National, 
:Bu(lupest. . ■ 

Adam u , . l,aJos Basil 

.....Marglt IiUkUca 
.,.',..Samu Balu7d 
i.,"<. Maria Sulyok 
...Kataliii Ilosvay 
....Arthur Somlay 
...iMIhloa Patalcy 
Hilda Gobb 



Eve. 

liuciter. .......... ., 

HIpplH. ............ 

Cliivia,.. 

Peter .'i, . . . , ... ,i 
Kmporo'r Rudolph. 
Oypsy Woman...,. 



This ^hor,t Balkane^ie country 
sketch in , two acts is screen material, 
even it sombi;e. Andree Ducret is 
the village girl who's married to 
Rene Berthier, ' after her lover , has 
been mutdered. The slayer has been 
sentenced to a life term in the salt 
mines. He's Samson Fainsilber, who's 
halt-mad, and hense given consider- 
able 'jCreedom ot movement about the 
village. The girl knows that the 
murder was really committed by her 
own husband, she having married 
him in order to bring his conviction. 
When the madman commits suicide, 
she charges her husband with hav- 
ing kiUed him, and he's arrested tor 
murder.- Samson Fainsilber, as the 
madman is excellent. Th« character 
of the w^oman, who wed a slayer in 
order to trap him, is niceQr biult up. 

CBARITE 
^'Charity') 
(Two-act coinedy . by Edmoiid See) 

Marolle. ., .. ^ .Renee Berthler 

Therese Bllans Charles 

J«onle Renes Oardes 

Maria. . ... , -.Andrea' Ducret 

Garnotel Bernard Charlan 

Directed. b¥< Mrs. Berkson. 

Kdmbnd See is the dean of Paris 
crix and has already authored sev- 
eral plays. His light comedy here 
begins iii amusing fashion, but bogs 
down. It needs .considerable short- 
ening. The cast is okay but handi- 
capped by slow action. 

ESCULAPE ; 
(One act coinedy by Georges Dot' 
ley and Jean Befrolsney) 

Madame Ta.ut.... ...... ..Kenee Gardes 

J-Bpn • ■ , , BPinara Charlan 

It"'?- ■ • • • • ', .MiirJanne Musset 

Doctor. .Henry NalpaS 

Woman doctor .Odette Villeret 

Directed by Mrs. BerKson. 



This farce is well done, and sends 
the audience home happy after the 
preceding horror piece. It intro- 
duces BernardI Charlan as a young 
man who has dated a married worn' 
an, Marianne Musset, in a shady ho 
tel run by Henee Gardes. 

When. Musset arrives, she imbibes 
freely, strips down alluringly, but 
soon is so ill from liquor that a doc- 
tor is sent for. Latter is unable to 
help, so a woman medico is called 
in. She happens t6 be Charlan's 
wife. Finding her husband in a 
compromising position, she leaves in 
a huff. Gardes is fuUny as the hotel 
operator. Maxi. 

OuArageeus Fortune 

London, Nov. 14. 
Linnlt & Dunfee presentation of fsw* In 
three ads by -Ben Travers. Directed by 
Charles Hlcltman. At Winter Garden, Lon- 
don, Nov. ^8, '4T, 

Gregory Bird Bobcrtson Hare 

Wilkinson King....; .....Ralph I.,ynn 

Old King..,.,...., (Jowlon .Tftmes 

Bather Turner... ........Knid i^owe 

Turner Marl In Cose 

Linda. i . ,Rona Ijauric 

Mildred...... Joiin LaUK 

Mrs. Httggslt trene Arnoltl 

Huitgett, D. Biadley-Smltli 

Dr-.Pe't, Sam Lysons 

Tickle Caswell Oarth 



Hungary's greatest drama is re- 
Vived again st the National to great 
success. Imre Madach's dramatio 
poem is to Hungarians what "King 
Lear" or "Hamlet" is to the British. 
Revival carries great impact. 

Drama starts in Heaven with 
angels praising the Lord who com- 
pleted the Creation. Lucifer is the 
only opposition and wants his share 
of the great work. The Lord expels 
him from Heaven, giving him -two 
trees m Paradise, reviving the old 
Bible motive of how Adam and Eve 
failed to refuse Evil. . , , 

After being expelled from Para- 
dise, Adam wants to see his future, 
so Lucifer makes him dream and in 
nl? dream Adam passes through the 
ages of history bearing AWays the 
part of some important personality. 

Actors give strong and realistic 
characterizsitions. Lajos Basti, aa 
Adam, has the best role ot his career, 
and succeeds admirably. Margit 
Lukacs as Efre has some lapses but 
also does well. 

Samu Balazs is miscast as Lucifer, 
Hes not cynical enough. Smaller 
roles are handled by Maria Sulyok as 
Hippia; Arthur Somlay as Apostle 
Peter; Hilda Gobby as the gypsy 
woman; Katalin Ilosvay as CTuvia, 
and Miklos Pataky as Emperor Ru- 
dolph, .gi 

Set by Matyas Varga, costumes by 
Terez Nagyajtay and mUSic by San- 
dor Veres are all first class. Gool. 

Tax Dept. ptckf Ex-Theatrenan 

Albany], I}ec. 2. 
Fred P. Magin, treasurer of the 
Capitol theatre here during its road- 
show and stock company days un- 
der the Shuberts and Erlanger, has 
been appointed Acting Collector of 
Internal Revenue lor the I6th dis- 
trict of New York, with headquar- 
ters in Albany, 

Magin succeeds Harry M. Hiclcey, 
who resigned because of illness. 



Following the long succession of 
Aldwych farces by Ben Travers 
written around the personalities of 
.Ralph Lynn and Robertson Hare, 



THEATRICAL FABRICS 

for COSTUMES 
DRAPIRIES 
STAGE CURTAINS 

Maharam suppliit evtry Fabric n««d 
tar iMding Broadway pi«ductioni and 
Hollyw&od studies. 

Tht Houii e( ServiM" 

130 West MM Streeti New York 
CHICAGO lOS ANGELES 

< E. Loll* St. 1113 So. I. A. SI. 



ARE YOU AN ANGEL? 

I.o*r-buitget imui«Bl piny by estab- 
lished auUiors seeks baoktnir. Tjocalet 
Ii)tornntlonal set, Olilna. Ample reter- 
ences. Will audition. 

Box 4252, Voritfy 
Ij4 W. «Sf(i S«., N. r. I» er CH. 



W^BMdby^ DecpuilMir. S, 1947 




t«ndia( Ubruy Boyalties Alftpped 

A Aew plan tor collecting author 
royelticss on fees charged, by book 
rental libraries will be considered 
at the reitplar monthly meeting^ot 
the Mystery Writers of America, to 
Joe held tonight (Wed.) in N. Y. As 
ysual, there will be a board meeting 
in the afternoon and - at dinner, with 
■ membership session slated. for the 
ifvening. 

The idea of author royalties from 
library jKHitals, a long-standing one 
In writer circles, has always been 
stymied in the past by practical dif- 
ftcultiesl The existing copyright law 
has ibeen a factor, and no one bias: 
previously flguied out how to keep 
the collection expense from exceed' 
Ing the prospective income. 

However, the MWA believes it 
has doped out a workable plan along 
the. lines of the ASCAP licensing 
•etup. It would license book pub- 
lishers, who would collect a Bait fee 
ou the original sale of the book, with 
the rental library passing «long the 
charge to ' the reader. In case, such 
a setup would be illegal under pres- 
ent copyright law, the MWA says 
it has been assured by Rep. Emanuel 
Gellei', of the House copyright com- 
mittee, that Congress would amend 
the Statute to permit such royalties. 
Any system of author royalties on 
boqk rentals, . no matter how it 
worked, would be a revolutionary 
innovation in the literary field, of 
course. 

Another item of the agenda of tOr 
night's MWA meeting will be re- 
POjts by Bayard Kendrick, former 
president, and liawrencc Blochman, 
executive vice-president, on their 
recent nationwide tour. Including 
visits to the organization's chapters 
in Chicago, Los Angeles and San 
Francisco. Also up for discussion is 
the proposed MWA minimuln basic 
Agreement with book publishers, in 
relation to the recently-signed min- 
imum contract between the Authors 
Guild and Random House. The 
MWA and the Guild are not af* 
filiated, efforts to bring about a 
merger having invariably failed, 

Nv K> Mirror's AntuiB. (Setup 
' Bealignment of the N. Y, Mirror's 
amusement coverage is as follows 
Bob Coleman, drama editor and 
critic; Lee Mortimer, amusement 
editor, film and nitelife critic, and 
associate drama cd; Harold Conrad, 
^^vaude critic and asst. pix and nitery 
critic; frank Quinn, amusement 
.dept. msikeap editor; Mrs. Beulah 
. Babrow, amusement dept. sec; Jack 
Thomson, now asst. editor of Sunday 
.MEirror magazine, but will continue 
.'to xeview pix for the Sunday mag. 



could demonstrate to them easily 
enough that .their luck isn't really 
so remarkable. There's also "The 
Drunkard," now entering its 15th 
year. vBut these are mere infants 
compared to 'The Old Homestead," 
which ran more than 30 years in the 
early '90s, and "Rip Van Winkle," 
stairing Joseph Jefferson, which- 
played during the same period for 
almost "as long. . 

In those days, shows were not only 
durable but tended to mushroom all 
over the country. Once 27 troupes 
were "busy simultaneously with 
'Pinafore," and back in 1885 there 
were 117 concurrent performances of 
The Mikado" on view from coast to 
coast. But nothing in the theatre 
has ev«c compared with the lachry- 
mose melodrama that was spun out 
of "Uijclc tom's Cabin" or "Life 
Among the Lowly" by one G. L. 
Aiken in 1852, and it's even running 
today on some showboats! 

Which brings us to a , book by 
Harry Birdoff which he calls, "The 
World's Greatest Hit" (S. F. Vanni, 
N. Y.; $5). In it he tells all about 
'Uncle Tom's Cabin.'' He has done 
a terrific research job and has put It 
all down in an entertaining and in- 
teresting way. The book is pro- 
fusely illustrated with oldtime play- 
bills, daguerreotypes, vignettes, mu- 
sic sheets, poems and cartoons. It 
gives one an insight to the way the 
old showmen did business in thea- 
tifes, tents, to wnhalls, showboats, 
schools, etc. Tl>e volume is sprinkled 
with anecdotes, all swell Teading and 
a must for any student of the thea- 
tre. And one doesn't have to be a 
student^o like it. 

■ Joe Xaurte, Jr. 

K.It. Bookstalls . 

Sale of books on trains .was start- 
ed this week by six railroads, in- 
cluding the Pennsylvania, B&O, 
Southern, Seaboard, Burlington, and 
the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. 
Louis. Other lines will start the 
service, provided through the Rail- 
road Book Plan, in January. 

Four titles will be oilered each 
month, the books for December be- 
ing Thomas B. Costain's "The 
Moneyman," Lion Feuchtwanger's 
Proud Destiny," Mabel Seeley's 
Woman of Property" and Manning 
Coles' "Let the Tiger Die.'; 

Railroad Book Plan was formed 
by Edwin W. Mitchell, of Ft. Lau- 
derdale; Fla., and Phillips B. Slover; 
of Nashville. 



The World's Greatest Hit' 

The producers of such hits as "Life 
With Father,'* "Tobacco Read, 
"Abie's Irish Hose" and "Oklahoma! 
bave considered themselves very 
lucky in' having shows that carried 
over a number of seasons. But any- 
body whose memory of the theatre 
iocs back to the turn of the century 




"I enjoyed Hecht't gath- 
erings at much as I could 
enjoy someone else'i 
comedy. Youlucky people!" 

J 

By ANDREW HECHT 
Introduction by BOB HOPE ■ 

A riotous tour of the dizzy film 
capital; loot racy, miarious anec- 
dotes about what maket Htdly- 
wood's Btars, Martets, dimetorii 
and tlirectotlets tick-rcllck — ^and 
ticlc. Brimminc with names,' 
(tories, tly obtervations, and 
packed with lauiht. Dozens of 
wonderfully funny drawings by 

LBO HIRSHPIELD. 




AtmUbook*toi*;^3.00 
' OROSSMSt » DVNtAPt N. Y. 



Some Show Biz Goodies 

Brooks Atkinson's "Broadway 
Scrapbook" (Theatre Arts; $3), an- 
thology, of some of his N. Y. Times 
pieces in the last three years of play- 
covering ... "Hollywood Merry-Go- 
Round," collection of gags and anec- 
dota about film personalities (play- 
ers, agents, producers, et al.), put out 
by Grosset & Dunlap ($2). It's a 
rather orderly book, broken down 
according to specific categories, re- 
minding of the Bennett Gerf tech- 
nique of showmanly presentation by 
groupings. Bob Hope did the intro 
duction . . . Historical as well as en 
tertaining is Colton Waugh's "The 
Comics" (Macmillan; $5), with gen 
erous illustrations throughout . : 
William Auerbach-Levy's book about 
caricature, "Is "That Me?" as breezily 
texted as illustrated (Watson-Gup- 
till; $7.50) naturally is bullish on 
show biz personalities, with plenty 
of others culled from politics, the 
seven lively arts, the headlines, etc. 

. LiUian Albertson, talent coach 
at RKO Studios, has produced a 
breezy albeit practical manual on 
Motion Picture Acting" (Funk" & 
Wagnalls; *2.50). 



mailing room slowdown that began 
last weeki Contracts with Chicago 
Mailers Union No. 2 expire Jan. 2. 
Officials of the union, which is allied 
with the ITU; indicate they will 
follow the no-contract policy that 
preceded the printers* strike. 



Budapest Still Trytnr 

Tliough publishing biz in Budapest 
still drags bottom, another batch of 
boolcs has been printed lately. 
Among American books are Saroyan's 
"The Adventures of Jackson Wes- 
ley," Mary Jane Ward's "The Snake 
Pit" and others. 

Book prices are stiU' high and out 
of question for people with average 
salary. 



Arthur Pollack Switched 

Brooklyn Eagle underwent a dras- 
tic staff shakeup in its entertain- 
ment section last weekend, with 
Arthur PoUacki the daily's drama 
critic for the past 25 yearfst, and 
Herb Cohn, film critic for 11 years, 
shifting to the rewrite desk. George 
Currie, from the sports department, 
is now in the drama spot, with Lew 
Schaefer, who did a Broadway col- 
umn for the Eagle, replacing as film 
critic. Schaefer's column has been 
assigned to' Al Salerno. 

According to an American News- 
paper Guild spokesman, the reshuffle 
is another phase of the paper's war 
of nerves: . again Pollack and Cohn, 
both of whom were active in the 1937 
strike which culminated in a Guild 
shop at the Eagle. According to the 
management, however, the. reassign- 
ments were made to strengthen the 
rewrite desk, , " 



"rnOgy, the Free" «nd Hollywood 

Mortimer Frankel, associate script 
editor at CBS, has written a novel, 
Pudgy, the President," which is 
analogous to the Congressional probe 
of Hollywood. Book is reported to 
burlesque the coming Presidential 
campaign and the violent wrangles 
among the nations at Lake Success. 
Investigation angle figures impor- 
tantly, but isn't the central theme 
of the story. • 

Maxim Lieber office lias the first 
draft. 



Konssy Dro|» Suit 

Serge KousSevitzkjrs suit^ against 
Allen, Towne & Heath, by which he 
sought _ unsuccessfully to prevent 
publication last summer of the Moses 
Smith biog, "Koussevitzky," has 
been dropped. Understood the con- 
ductor paid the publisher's as well 
as his own legal expenses, 

Suit alleged the book libeled the 
maestro and invaded his privacy, 



CHATTER 

Dorothy Wagner, of Today's 
"Woman mag, .sent abroad to Ifeop 
up with the fashion?. 

Robert A. Low has been appointed 
advertising manager of the- Satur- 
day Review of Literature. 

Richard G. Hubler, film director, 
sold "Melancholy Millionaire" to '47 
Mag. Yarn is based upon Howard 
Hughes' career. 

Paul Whiteman featured in a four- 
page spread in the current Redbook, 
and is the subject of a similar lay- 
out in Parade Dec. 7. ■ 

Meyer Hutner, "former press agent 
with Carl Erbe and Billy Rose, has 
combined with. Bennett S. Rosncr 
in a new publicity- -firm. 

Somerset Maugham's 1 it era r y 
agent, Jacques Chambrun, 'in Holly- 
wood with the first draft of the 
author's new novel, "Catalina." 

L. Mohrenwitz, Swiss representa- 
tive of Curtis Brown and the A. M. 
Heath literary agency in London, is 
in New York on a business trip. 

Sam Molen, sports "director of sta- 
tion KMBC, Kansas City, has writ- 
ten a book of sports anecdotes, 
"They Make Me Laugh". (DoiTance). 

Sol Zatt, promotion manager for 
Ziff-Davis, to the Coast on two 
novels, "Earthbound" by Dalton Ray- 
mond, and "Stubborn Wood" by 
Emily Harvin, latter a first novel. 

Bennett Cerf now getting $500 
minimum per literary lecture under 
W. Colston Leigh's auspices; fees for 
the last three totaling $2,600. Works 
on a 33^67% arrangement with 
Leigh, instead of the usual 50-50. 

Ezra Goodman on the Coast to in- 
terview, a dozen.>.top film industry 
biggies in connection with a Holly- 
wood survey for Coronet. His pieces 
will deal with such picture lumin- 
aries as Darryl F. Zanuck, Louis B. 
Mayer, Jack Warner, Hal: Wallis, 
et al.' ' ■ . 



SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK 

>♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦« By Frttnk Scully .♦♦♦«« « ♦♦«♦>*♦ 



Chi Mailers With Strtkitt«r Printers 

Chicago dailies continue to ap- 
pear in varitype photoeugraved dur- 
ing the printers' strike which started 
last Monday (24). First edition of 
the Times after the walkout carried 
wry headlines: "Printers Out — Times 
Is Too," Negotiations so far fJJOV 
remain stalemated. Comics, columns, 
pics and other features haven't 
been dropped, although the extra 
space required by varitype has 
caused some news to be pared down. 
Ads appear as usual, with clients 
supplying theii; own plates. 

A further tbiieat i» seen in the 



Bill Ornstein 

4iteovm 

Quality Mags an 

Untapped New Souree 

of Writing 
* * * 

in the forlheoiiiiiici 

42d Anniversary Edition 
of 



■ Little Rock, Dec. 1. 

As comforting proof to us cynical but influential followers of Diogenes, 
Crates and Demetrms, that fights can bo lixed, it seems' they evfen fixed the 
fight between the fight managers associatfon and the EnterprLsre exploiters 
of "Body and Soul." Having got the maximum free publicity from the 
"feud" that a free enterprise system could afford, all parties are now will- 
ing to settle for another picture. Tlie next one, due to roll next spring, 
will prove that fights are as on the level as the ftoor of a ring. 

It seems the lilywhite school of pugilism has even prevailed upon Abe 
Polonsky, who did such a beautiful job at scripting "Body and Soul," to 
develop a screen play which will raise what old Bill McGeehan used to 
call the "manly, art of modified mm-der" to the ethical level o£ the religious 
order. This should be the fairy story o£ the year. The trinity back of 
this counter offensive are Jack Roper, Dan Tobey and Johnny Indrisano, 
but I'm afraid if 'Uiey give themselves enough Roper they'll hang them- 
selves. (Ed. note: The editor disclaims any responsibility for Scully's 
humor.) ■, 

.HAMds Acrttsi.:th« € 

The characters around the Enterprise sets were really characters. Artie 
Dorrell, welter, on meeting Alex Steinert, pianist, and learning Steinert 
earned his living by his hands, too, said; "He must be plenty hot His 
face hasn't a mark""on it." 

Neither, for that matter, did Johnny Garfield's, and as a pianist in "Foul? 
Daughters," a violinist in "Humoresque" and a fighter in "Body and Soul," 
lie has used his handSi or simulated facsimiles thereof, plenty. 

Roper, who worked some lights on the picture, missed seeing Joe Louis,, 
a set visitor. Learning about it later, Roper cracked, "I didn't duck the 
first time I met the guy but I've been ducking him ever since." 

GaUihad Garfield Next? 

If Polonsky didn't write himself out on "Body and Soul," I'll be a very 
surprised disciple of Diogenes. Do they plan to Switch Johnny Garfield to 
a Galahad, too? His performance as a lightweight champ who could throw 
fights as well as rights is magnificently convincing, and it had a certain 
real-life fighter's sellout to give it documentary plausibility. The plot of 
"Body and Soul" is premised on a fighter who plans to bet $60,000 against 
himself in a title fight. 

But personally I think the money at the boxoffiice is in more pictures 
like "Body and Sold." H. C, Witwer about used up "the more romantic 
money in his "Leattiet Pusher«" series years -ago. And remember what 
happened to "The Prizefighter and the Lady." Even "The Horn Blowj^ at 
Midnight" didn't dive lower than that one. 

In fact it was the Metro flop that convince.d all Hollywood that fights 
don't pay^aearly as well at the Capitol as they do at the Garden jiist a 
block away. No, fhe road opened by "Body and Soul" is the right road for 
Hollywood. . It should inspire others to make Jim Tully's "The Bruiser" 
and his "Mack Boy." After that, Budd Schulberg's "The Harder Ihey 
Fall" as well as Hemingway's "Fifty Grand" and Ring Lardner's "The 
Champion" might be pencilled in as exposes of one of America's greatest 
subversive activities. There are lots of others, but this quartet shoidd 
suffice for the moment. 

So Well Remembered 

I think the first use of lighting in pictures was the Jeffiries-Fitzsimmons 
fight. Albert Smith and .T. Stuart Blaclcton were on the picture end of the 
deal and William A. Brady on the fighters' end. Brady was Jefl"s ipanager 
at the time. Joe Manchen built special laraps^with carb'oh two inches thick 
to photograph the fight. ' ^ 

They tested the' lights in aXBroadway theatre and for those days the 
results were terrific. But when they moved the lights to Coney Island 
Sports club they foimd that the circuit had only 2,000 volts. So Joe hired 
a steam donkey engine and hooked it up to the generator. That stepped! 
up the voltage. 

The- cameramen began shooting the preliminaries to test their equip- 
ment. That was their mistake, because by the time Fitss and Jeff ex- . 
changed a few blows, the great battery of arc lights went out.:. , ' ■ 

Pop Lubin moved in after this flop with the first 'film fix of a tUht,'and 
using- a German comedian made up to play Fitz he scored a hit where 
Brady had. failed. The fake fight cleaned -up in pictures as fake fights 
have 'Often' cleaned' up before and since in the ring. ''That one sent' the 
boys back to the open arena and sunlight. 

They still had a lot of film left and they finally caught a fight that 'was 
a pip. That wa.s the Jefllries-Sharkey fight. Tliis brought everybody back 
to Coney Island, but by then Brady had contracted with Biograph to shoot 
it with Cooper-:Hewitt lights. Blackt;on and Smith bought a block of: 
six seats and sneaked a cidnera in under a 'cloak of darkness. They iva:- 
rounded themselves with Pop Rock, Joe E, Howard, Tod Sloan and . it- 'few 
puguglies Who claimed they could lick even Jeffries under Marg,uij; <fC 
Bowery. ■ rul*s.:. r^"-:T ' : 

They Went Thata Way! 

''Brady had all the exits watched, but in the milling crowds the picture 
pirates got away clean. They met at Cohn's roa'dhouse to celebrate the 
swipe with champagne. Jim Jeffries, his brother Jack, and Brady ~1:raced 
them down there. What followed was a Keystone Kops chase. Smithsand 
Blaekton escaped by a fire-escape and caught a Brighton train for New 
York. Hie rest got away, too, Jeff not being very good at road^ork. It's 
quite possible that Tod Sloan made it on a horse and'~Boward sang his 
way out. ■ ■ ■ ; :■ . 

Between the bootlegged versioni and their, legit ¥itagiaph . propeifties, 
the Blackton-Smith-Rock trinity moved up to big money". .Thtis by the 
time Jeffries was ready to stage his comeback after a seven-year layoff 
and take'on Jack Johnson, picture rights to the fight were worth a lot of . 
legitimate money. In fact they were worth more than .the fight itself. 
Pop Rock started bidding at $50,000. When rivals went to $75,000 Pop eu*» 
the chase and bid $100,000. 

Prom their little camera which they sneaked into the Jeffries-Sbarkey 
fight, the Vitagraph. trio moved into the . Jeffries-Jjohnson- arena with 12 . 
cameras ("Body and Soul" had .only seven) and 20 technicians. Corbett, 
John L. Sullivan, Tom Sharkey, Terry McGoverri, BattUttiG!' Nelson, Abe 
Attell, Ad Wolgast, Leach Cross and big gold-toothed Jack Johnson were 
among the techriical advisers. 

Blaekton once told me he believed that Jeffries, was doped: for the fight. 
Mrs. Jeffries always took care o£ his meals, but the afternoon before the 
fight he asked for a cup of tea. A "friend" said, "Let me get it, Mrs. 
Jefl'ries, you've been doing all the work today." Blaekton watched Jeff 
drinlc the tea, without cream or sugar. It was very strong and blacki 
. TKe ..First .Blaefc. Market 

That night Pop Rock, Albert Smith and Blaekton saf'in a corner of r 
Golden's Cafe. Jim Corbett joined them. He glanced around cautiously 
and said, "Put your money on Johnson." 

Before the fight Blaekton went to see Jeffries in his dre.ssing room. 
Jeft'ries was lying on the table, face drawn and white. "Look at him,- he's 
been doped," said Roger Wells, his trainer. "This man's in no shape to 
fight." Blaekton took Jeffries' hands. They, .were as cold as ice. Berger, 
Delaney and Corbett were in Jeffries' corner. Jeffries held up the fight 
until the money was turned over to Pop Hfjck and he. Pop, left in a car 
with two armed deputies to give the. money to Mrs. Jeffries for deposit, 

Johnson came into the arena scared, not of Jeffries, but of the crowd. 
For 15 rounds Jeffries was down on one knee playing "The Dying Gladi- 
ator." ' 

That fight was July 4, 1910, the same day the Vitagraph plant in. the 
Morton building back in New York burned, destroying their entire stock 
of films and negatives. 

Maybe that was a payoff for going legit. Diogenes could have told 
them that honesty and pugUisra don't mix. 

I must see Barney Gerard. and get his side of -this. ..He handled Jack 
^Johh&on i'n,tbose days^tthd afterwai^ in sKbw 



S4 



Vednetdny, jPecember 3, 1947 



Paul N. Turner, counsel for Equity 
in California on vacation. 

Guy Balmerton, summer s t o c Ic 
manager, at Post Graduate hospital 
tor operation. 

Milton Berle wUl "roastmaster'' 
the .Friars' luncheon Friday (6) for 
Franlc Sinatra. & , 
, Mrs. Nate (Vera) Blumberg lied- 
ded by cold. They return to the 
Coast week after next. 

Installation Gambol will be held at 
the Lambs Sunday (7), the 72d of 
its kind since the club was formed. > 

Eddie Weber, business manager of 
"Can You Top This?!', cracked a rib, 
Vfhile moving a piano at his home. 

Broadway barrister Ed Rafterys 
daughter, Marie Antoinette, formalr 
ly engaged to "atthew Leon Coneys. 

Haf Ro?ich in N,. Y, from- HoUyr 
wodd to r^ume conferenoes with 
United Artists on upcoming two pro* 
duclions. _ 

Lou Lissner, back with I Remem- 
ber Mama" in Philadelphia,, slipped 
' In bathtub there and fractured 
couple of ribs. 

Pianist William Kapell bacK from 
his first European trip, where he 
did 19 concerts in four months in 
Important European capitals. 

Marjorie Reynolds," ■ film actress, 
sailed for Britain last week to as- 
sume the lead in the forthcoming 
London production of "Burlesque." 

Leon SiritJtky, head of Siritzky 
International Pictures, sworn in as 
an American citizen this week. He 
also runs the Ambassador theatre. 

Katl Posch, w.k. Broadway head-: 
waiter (ex-Hollywood: Restaurant 
. La Conga, Beachcomber and Sherry- 
Netherlands), now at MonteVon- 

■ the-Park. . • ' 

Margalo Gillmore, who recently 
appeared in "State of the Union," 
. sailed Friday (28) aboard the Mau^ 
' tetania for a two-week Ijondon ya- 

• cation. , ^ 

* /ean Holloway, Metro contract 
■writer and formerly a radio scripter, 

■ is on leave of , absence from the 
. studio and isjspending the winter in 

Srew Yprk. • " - 
The "cocktail party" which Louise 

and Bugs ■ Baer threw Sunday 
'turned jout to be an engagement 
, Barty for Arthura (Artra) Baer, 21, 

and' songsmith Martin KalmanoS. 

■ Bob Weitman, Paramount theatre 
managing director, and Leonard 
Goldenson, Paramount Theatres 
veepee, in Chicago for huddles .wi«i 
Par pattniers. 'Weitman returns Tti- 

' day; ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 

, Viennese chanteuse Greta Keller; 
planed to Europe for concert tour. 

■ Will ' set up ' production in 
ViertnS of "The Medium," to which 
she owns German and Austrian 
rights. . . 

Paul O'Britfn, of attorneys O'Brien, 
" DriscoU, Raftery & Lawler, home ilP 
this week as .result of over-exposure 
to a suiilattip. He fell asleep Under 
it: on Thanksgiving Day, following 
turkey dinner. ' 

■ Maurice Bergman, Universal east- 

■ ern ad-publicity chief, to Coast last 
; week' for confabs with John Joseph, 

ad-publicity director, and other 
studio ' executives' on forthcoming 
campaigns on new product. ■ 

A. Warschawer, an exec of Pal- 
estirie's Habimah theatre,' due in 
Jrom Zian. to mafce arrangeraents for 
' Sabimah's fortheomintf American 
tour. Troupe is scheduled to preem 

' OB Broadway in March, '48. - 

(? ~ Harriet Kaplan,, focmier. story aide 
to Mike Todd and assistant, play edi- 
; tdr of Metroi back in New ' York 
after five months on the Coast. She 
. . xeturned via .a six weeks' vacation 
\ ■ tour of Mexico and' Central Amer- 
lea. 

' Lina Abarbanel, of ;Dwight Deere 
Wiman office; fell' downstaurs in a 
photog's studio last week, and sent 
to French hospital with cuts and 
bruises. Was accompanying Tish 
Wiman • (Dwight's daughter) for 
. marriage photos. 

■ Faith and John Cecil Holm pro- 
jtnoting backing for "Grameroy 
Ghost,'' comedy written by himself, 
with Faith Holm as producer; Albert 
H. Rosen, business manager of "An 
Ji^pectpr Calls,'.' as hsn.', bankrpU 
calls for $60,000. 
.. Columbia recorded four .■songs 
from the legiter, "Music In My 
Heart," Su^jday (30), with Charles 
Fi^edericks^ Martha- Wright, ' Delia 
Lind and Jean Handzlik of ,the 
Broadway cast singing, and Franz 
Steininger conducting the orch. 

On the basis .of its economic bet- 
terment committee's preliminary re- 
port,. Actors Equity has engaged Rob- 
ert R. Nathan, noted economist, to 
make a study of. theatrical employ- 
ment conditions. The subject will 
be .oa the agenda at the association's 
quarterly meeting Dec. 12^ 

Mary MacArthur", daughter of 
Helen Hayes and Charles Mac- 
Arthur, . is attending American 
Academy of Dramatic Art this sea- 
son.. Had two strawhat experiences, 
with her mother in "Alice Sit By 
the Fire" in '46, and with Lillian 
. Gish in "The Marquise" in '47. 
: Walter Vincent,, prez of Actors' 
fund, to sponsor a Christmas pro- 
gram at the Actors Fund Home, 
Englewood, N. J., Sunday afternoon 
(28), John Alexander and Florence 
Aquino will apuear in specially 
' written scene by S. Jay Kaufman. 
Among others to participate are Guy 
Kibbee, Tom Terri>, Geoffrey 
O'Hara, Norman MacKay^ George 

■ The Ken KUngs took their 22-year- 
Old £0n to PhUIjr tot the Ati^y-mvy 



game and decided to stay over for 
Joe E. Lewis, currently at the Latin 
CaiE^ there^ The comtdian ■ be- 
moa.,^-.. that here he was, sans any 
topical A-N gags but the songwi'it- 
ing son of the cartoonist whipped . up 
a couple— and incidentally sold Lewis 
two: special songs at $750 each. 



Dublin 



By Maxwell Sweeney 

Royal Cinema, Limerick, opened 
on site of former Athaneum. 

Mayfalr Ballroom, Arklow, Wick- 
low County seaside terpery, sold for 
$42,000. 

Abbey doing big biz with revival 
of- Frank Carney's "The Righteous 
are Bold." 

Two Cities Films director Brian 
Desmond Hurst back to England 
after looking over talent here. ; : 

Max Milder, head of Associated 
British Cinemas circuit, here for 
talks on company's Irish interests, 

Belfast's non-profit-making Arts 
Studio Theatre now rehearsing Au- 
den and Isherwood's "Ascent of P6." 

Dublin Film Productions re- 
portedly dickering for Maura La- 
verty's latest novel, "Lift Up Your 
Gates." 

Actor John McOarby planes to 
New York for part in "Finian's 
Rainbow." He tried out in the Lon- 
don production. . , 

Sir David CunyHghame, London 
Film Productions managing director, 
here for Irish preem of "Open 
City" at Regal Rooms. - ; 

Government of northern Ireland is 
expected to vote grant of $160,000 to 
northern Ireland.. Council for En- 
couragement of Music and Arts 
towards 'purchase of theatre -in Bel- 
fast. 



London 



By Hfti Cohen 

The Bernie Armstrongs (he's the 
KDKA staff. orch leader) are due 
for parenthood again. 

Tech drama . school's next show 
win be "Wingless Victory," under 
direction of Mary Mori^s. . 

Dick Powell flew into town in his 
own plane and remained two days 
on account of -bad weather.: . 

Jackie Heller has a fellow Benny 
Davis alumnus,: Jackie QreeiU' head- 
ing the show at his Carousel. ' 

Donald Steinfirst on the job again 
reviewing concerts for the Post- 
Gazette following an operation, 
. Alicia FuUer out of the hospital 
after an. operation, but won't go 
back to work at KQV until -first of 
year. 

AFRA and Playhouse; sponsoring 
joint Frank Hipps Memorial per- 
formance of **June Moon*' in mem- 
ory of late actor, Killed in an auto 
crash. ■ 



By. Si Shillft 

Walton hotel being, remodeled, due 
to be reopened May 1. 

Jose Iturbi signed for a concert 
recital Jan. 11 at Academy of Mu- 
sic.' 

Eddie Bracken here to head up 
Gimbel's annual Thanksgiving Day 
Parade. 

Buddy Rogers planed in yester- 
day (Tues,) to ballyhoo hi^ forth- 
coming film, "Sleep My Love." 

Gene Beverly has joined the Joel 
Charles agency in charge of sales 
for the orchestra and variety de- 
partments. . 

John Henniftger, WIBG chief en- 
gineer, named to the newly-created 
post of technical director of WIBG- 
AM, WIBG-FM, WIBG-TV and Na- 
tional Wired Music. 



BBC radio licenses to date number 
around 10,998,000. These include 
approximately 28,000 ieievision li- 
censes. . ' 

Millie Hoey, who operated The 
Bag O'Nails, popular Soho nitery, 
died. She once managed Kate Mcy- 
rick's notorious 43 Club, 

Francis, Day & Hunter celebrating 
tueir 70th anniversary on Dec, 16, 
with staff dinner. Fitm claims' its 
oldest in England for jpop numbers. 

Google Withers, stage and film ac- 
tress and Australian-born John Mc- 
Callum, who appeared with her in 
"The Loves of Joanna (Jodden, to 
marry. " . , , 

Film stars Kieron Moore and 
Barbara White, whose last fllmiap- 
pearances were in "Mine Own Exe- 
cutioner," set to marry in London, 
tomorrow (4). 

Denis Johnston's Irish- comedy, 
"The Moon In the VellQW Biver," 
was revived at the Arts - Theatre 
Club, Nov. 26, with: Jack HawMns as 
'the recluse father. 

Reg Connelly and Irwin Dash sail 
to U. S. on the Mauretania, Dec. 9. 
Connelly returns on the Queen 
Elizabeth Jan. 24; while Dash's stay 
is prolonged to Feb. 4. 

Musicart, : Ltd., transferring the 
successful comedy, "Happy as 
Larry," from the small Mercury the- 
atre to the Criterion, Dec. 16, Show- 
produced by Denis Cairey will keep 
the original cast. 

First del' Giudice picture to be 
made for his new company, Pilgrim 
Pictures, will be an adaptation from 
the stage success, "The Guinea Pig," 
by W. Chetham-Strode. Boulting 
Bros. . will start production early 
next year at Metro s Elstree studio, 

Gracie Fields, who- sails for 
America tomorrow (4) on the Queen 
Mary, is anxious to resume legit act- 
ing. Last time she did it was in 
1928 in "S. O. S." at the St. James' 
theatre, oppositie the late Sir Gerald 
du Iblaurier. ; 

South Africa 

By Joe Hanson . 

The Ashtons, Australian family of 
acrobats, arrived here to join circus. 

"Forever Amber" released in Jo- 
hannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. 

, Joan Hammond, Australian singer, 
doing big biz on South African con- 
cert, tour. 

' Norman Alexander here to pro- 
duce documentaries for . Waverley 
Films, London. 

African Theatres announces plans 
for ,new lJ800-seater at Wynberg, 
suburb of Cape Town, to be com- 
pleted by 1948. 

J. H. Nevinson arrived from Eng- 
land to take up appointment of 
South African director for J, Arthur 
Rank Organization. . , 

Oscar Hissen, Norwegian film ac- 
tor, passed through Cape Town 
serving as seaman on a whaling ship 
en route to Antarctic. 

Irene Morgan and Kathleen Cave, 
English revue artists, scoring hit in 
Cape Town with season of repertory 
revue called "Seeing Stars.*', 

South Africa Broadcasting Corp. 
announces increase in pay for mem- 
bers of Cat>e Town Studio orches- 
tra. Basic pay now is £500 ($2,000) 
yearly. . ' ■ 

Fight to obtain civic theatre for 
Cape Town still proceeding. Local 
business men offered to purchase 
old Italian Consulate for conversion 
to theatre at cost of $283,000 but 
South Africa Broadcasting Corp. fa- 
vors the site for new broadcasting 
studios.^ 



Palestine Partition 



Continued ttom page 1 ; 



"Pick-Up Girl," the Broadway hit of 
several seasons agoj which followed 
"Take It" at the same house. 

Cast includes' Hanna ' Sukenik, 
Joseph Passovsky, Rosa Lichtenstein, 
H. Bar Tdv Gutman,-Yemina Passov- 
sky, Emmanuel Ben Amos and Tuvia 
Gruenbaum. Passovsky staged while 
Peter Kamnitzer did. the settings. 

Palestine Film Censorship Board' 
has lifted the ban on the Danish 
film, "Day of Wrath;" after repre- 
sentations by the distributors of the 
picture as well as the Danish Writers 
Assn. 

Still banned are a revival of the 
French film. "Kermesse Heroique," 
and the Italian picture, "Open City." 
Board, however, is scheduled to re- 
view its previous decision on the 
latter. • ,; 

Documentary film showing efforts 
of Jewish men and women in re- 
claiming Palestine's soil is drawing 
strong business at Zion cinemas. 
Titled "The Great Promise," picture 
was directed by Joseph Leites, with 
score by Misclia Spoliansky. • 

Story is related by men of the 
Jewish Brigade to an old man in a 
German concentration camp on the 
day of libertion. Technically the 
doctunentary has been produced on 
a high quality level. Acting is quite 
moving, while lensing, editing and 
Englisl) eynchronizatioii measure up. 



Vienna 



By Emfl W, Maas 

Librettist Karl Leibinger, 62, died. 

Rudolf Hanzl elected president" of 
Vienna Philharmonic Society. 

Dr. Josef Marx elected president 
of Austrian Composers Assn. 

Aurel Nowotny,; 66, president of 
Artists Union, died suddenly. 

Friedrich Gagern, 65, well-known 
poet, died in St. Leonhard am Forst. 

Daisy Halban-Ku'rz, back after 10 
years;* exile, gave a concert in 
Brahmssaal. 

SchoenbTunner theatre closed 
down, due to bad business. Used as 
film' studios now. " 

Salzburg Festival plans to produce 
next season the Swiss opera, "Le Vin 
Herbe," by Frank Martin. 

Robert Stolz writing the music for 
Hubert Marischkas' latest film pro- 
duction, "Girl From the Island." 

French' film producer Andre 
Paulve announced that 15 Fernch 
pictures are being synchronized 
here. 



By Les Bees 

Andy's nitery has Seror Twins. 

Freddy . Master's band into St. 
Paul Flame nitery, 

North Star Drama Guild, little 
theatre group, offering "Jane Eyre," 
• Senor Wences and Franks & Jany- 
ce into Hotel Nicollet Minnesota 
Terrace. 

Orrin Branton, 20th-Fox salesman, 
recovering in St, Mary's hospital 
from major operation. 

Victor Borge drew only fair 
houses at two Twin City one- 
nighter concert engagements, 

Lyceum here, gets "Red Mill" week 
of Dec. 14, '.'Harvey" week of Dec. 



2. and "Chocolate Soldier" to fol- 
low. . 

Film Row friends have been blood 
dtfnors for Clara .Eisenberg of Uni- 
versal, recovering in 'University 
hospital from major operation, 

Jack Lorentz, 20th-FO]( midwest 
sales head, presided over sales con- 
ference at Hotel Nicollet here, with 
Omaha, Des Moines and: local ex- 
changes participating, 

Mary Seibel, young daughter ot 
Ev... Seibel, Minnesota Alnus. Co. 
publicity and advertising head, play- 
ing lead in St. Catherine Seminary's 
production of "Enchanted Cottage." 

San Francisco 

By Xe4 XtlwA 
Clare and Henry LUce. at Mark 
Hopkins. 

Straw Hat Review, local legit 
group, set at Golden Gate Dec 17. 

Dean Murphy accepts -beaucoup 
benefits while playing at St. Francis. 

Benny Strong to follow Carmen 
Cavallero orch into Peacock Court 
Dec. 7. 

Mucho'"' local society excitement 
over Ina. Claire. openlnn Monday (8) 
at Geary. 

Edward J. Noble in for festivities 
When KGO-ABC switched to 50,000- 
watt transmitter. Monday (1). 

Louis Armstrong, Jackson Teagar- 
den, Barney Bigad and Sid Catlett 
into Burma Club at $4,000 per. 

Big contingent' of Hollywood stars 
in for Damon Runyon cancer fund 
fashion show at Mark Hopljins With 
$10 admish fee. 

Frisco symph, with Pierre Mon»: 
teux at helm, still biggest sellout 
in town, all three, weekly Opera 
House performances' SRO. 



Dave O'Malley's Foirt Myers home 
burned Thursday (27).° 

Russell Birdwell has opened a Chi 
branch of his publicity outfit. 
- Ciene Tierney doing shopping here 
before returning to the Coast. 

John : ^ildberg here for confabs 
on opening of "Anna Lucasta." 

Kay Armen in from the East to 
spend holidays with her family. : 

DonSld O'Coniftor opens Jan. 9 at 
the Oriental theatre for two-week 

stay. -: . . , ^ 

Nat Kalcheimi of William Morris, 
in from New. York lor huddles: with 
Leo Salkin. 

The Woodstock Players opened 
their winter season Nov. 27 with 
"The Male Animal" 

Sam Jaffe will headline the Golden 
Jubilee Festival .of the Zionist or- 
ganization here Dec. 21. ' 

Joan- Edwards in for Vitacoustlc 
recording date aiid guest appear- 
ances on the Jack Smith show. 

The Hull House Players opening 
Dec. 8 of "Bury the Dead" marks the 
50th anniversary of the theatre 
group. ' , 

Robert Ryan, RKO player, is ex- 
pected here Dec. 9 to address meet- 
ing of the National Conference of 
Christians and Jews. 



a; Vance Grahams divorced. 
William Goetz in from New York. 
Bill Bendix ill with throat infec- 
tion.,' , 

Oscar Levant and his wife recon- 
ciled: 

Philip Doru bought a farm !n 
Oregon. 

• !Mary Astor hospitalized for ob- 
servation, 

George Tobias planed in from 
Manhattan. 

Alice Paye broHe an arm in a fall 
down stairs. 

Helen Forrest to marry Paul 
Holohan, Dec, 7. 

Russ Vincent bought a 400-acre 
ranch in Oregon. 

Betty Grable bedded with a dis- 
placed sacro-iliac, 

Margaret Wycherly in from New 
York for film work. ■ 

Joe Frisco in town after a Week's 
showing in Las Vegas, 

Johnpy Shadrack opened at Char- 
ley Foy's Supper Club. 

Pat O'Brien being paged by the 
Abbey theatre, Dublin. : 

Greg McClure, born Dale Easton, 
is legalizing his film name. 

Jane Powell returned from per- 
sonal appearances in the east, > 

Virginia Mayo returned froni 
three weeks of stage touring. 
; Susan Hayward called off her 
divorce suit against Jess Barker. 

L; • E, Behymer, 85'year-old Los 
Angeles impresario, seriously ill. 

Natalie Wood recovering "from in- 
juries sustained in a motor crash. 

Louis B. Mayer and Howard 
Strickling planed in from New York. 

John Ridgely back to work in 
"The Sealed Verdict" after a siege 
of flu. 

Charles Meeker in town to scout 
talent for next summer's operettas 
at Dallas. 

Emma Goodman' retired on doc- 
tor's orders after 25 years as Sophie 
Tucker's secretary. 

Father Paul Douceur, technical; 
advisor on the "Joan" picture, 
leaves for Paris next week. 

Tyrone Power returned to town 
after a, 13-week air tour, covering 
32,000 miles and 18 countries on four 
continents. 

Richard English- succeeds Gordon 
Kahn as editor of Screen Writer, 
monthly magazine of the Screen 
Writers Guild. • . 



TokyA 



Theatres, radio, newspapers and 
race tracks took leading roles in the 
launching of Japan's nationwide 
charity campaign last week; 

Carl Mydans, Tokyo bureau head 
of Time-Life International, gave 
concluding lecture to Army students 
attending the international news re- 
porting class. 

Appearance of Tetsu Katay«ma at 
opening of Zenshinza troupe's "Mer- 
chant of Venice" production at 
Waseda Univ. last week marked first 
time a Jap Prime Minister has pub- 
licly attended any type of theatrical 
performance, Katayama is a strong 
advocate of a national theatre. 



Miami Beach 

By Larry Solloway 

Jackie Phillips, at Famous Door. 

Tony Martin sought for late Feb- 
ruary date at Colonial Inn. 

Cross & Dunn and DeCastro Sis- 
ters into Clover Club, this week. 

Latin Quarter readying . mid-De- 
cember opening, With Myron Cohen 
heading show; : 

Newest club in town is Little Ro- 
mania, preeming Deo. 17 with 
Moishe Oy.shc and continental for- 
mat show. 

iVTriton Berle, in for four days, 
planed back Sunday (30). Speni 
most of his stay at Copacabana 
lounge on the Barry Gray aircast, 
and Mother Kelly's, where Gloria 
King IS working. 

Portland, Ore. 

Dale Bray's Quartet at the Trop- 
ics. 

Catherine Toomay at the Glover 
Club. 

Skinnay Ennis at Jantzen Beach 
Ballroom. 

Betty Vickers headlining new 
stage show at Capitol theatre. 

Rusty Coleman filling in for Jerry 
^^-P^",^ ^^S^"}^ Mac for the week. 

Mills Brothers into Music Hall 
Supper Club, with Gloria Jean on 
the supporting bill. 

Beatrice Kay held for a second 
week at the Cloud Room, with Ar- 
thur Blake to fbllow. 

Michael Loring, Pauline and Jack 
orchestra at the Rose 
Bowl, Multnomah hotel. 



Hollywood 



' By George Gaal 

Pesti Szinhaz will stage O'Neill's 
Anna Christie" ne- ':. 

Magda Rasko, State Opera singer, 
now at Vienna Konzerthaus. 

Sigurd Rascher, Danish saxophon- 
ist, giving several ' concerts here. 

E. van Beipum, director of the 
Amsterdam Concertgebouw, in town. 

Opera singer Gabriella Relle, 
signed contract with the Rome 
Opera. 

Benjamin Britten's opera "Peter 
Grimes'' will be performed at the 
State Opera here. ~ 

Actress Frida Gombaszogi prep- 
ping to leave for the states to visit 
sister in New York. 

National Theatre started rehears- 
als of .Shakespeare's "Richard III." 
Lead will be played by Tamas Ma- 
jor. 

Hilde BaumanVi, solo dancer of 
the Berne Opera, back to Switzer- 
land after several performances 
here. ■ ' 

Gyorgy Denes, celebrating 30th 
anni as actor, awarded tlie Pro Arte 
medal by the President of the Re-- 
public. 

John van- Di'uten's "The Voice of 
the Turtle" opening at the Muvesz 
Szinhaz. Hungarian title is "Happy 
Sunday," 

Operetta Theatre preiiping Offen- 
bach's "Helen of Troy" with new 
prima donna, Marika Nemeth, play- 
ing the lead. 

Mihaly Szekely received the. 
Medal of the Republic from Hun- 
gary's President Zoltan Tildy. Sze- 
kely leaves soon for the states to 
sing with tlie" Metropolitan Opera. 

Hungarian-American Society gave 
an Orchestra concert ' recently at 
Music Art Academy to capacity 
house, Program included Gersh- 
win's "Rhapsody in Blue," David 
Diamond's "Rounds''' and Ernest 
Bloch's "Solomon." 



■m By Eric Gorrick 

Ernest Turnbull, Hoyt's chief, is 
due back from London before 
Christmas. ' , 

Air-Commodore West of Eagle 
Lion, is making extensive survey of 
Melbourne for the Rilnk interests. 

Two-a-night vau'de-revue no go in 
Brisbane for the Tivoli loop at His 
Majesty's, House goes back to pix 
revival. 

William Herbert, vet showman, 81, 
died here. Was the originator of big 
loop in Newcastle, selling later to 
Hoyts and GUT. 

^ Harry Watt has his cameras work- 
ing on "Eureka Stockade" for Ealing ' 
now. Unit is on location in north- 
ern _ New South Wales, 

Cinesound is puttin'T out c, special 
feature film titled "Cavalcade of 
Australian Sport," dealing with all 
the Aussie toppers in the field of 
sport over past 12 months. Idea is 
Ken G. Ball's, Cinesound's chief . pro- 
ducer-director. Pic goes into the 
Indie Tatler, Sydney, 



OBITUARIES 



] 



Ernst LubU$ch, 59, veteran motioh 
picture ptroducei' and director, die^ 
jjuddienly Nov". 30 at his home in Bel- 
Air, near Hollywood. (Further de- 
tails in Pictures Section.) 

ALEX yOKEt 

iLegit producer Atex Yokel, 61, 
. ,died Thursday (27) o* a heart at- 
tack alter Ttianfcssivins dinner at a 
jBiend's JioHxe, Lawrence, L. I. 

Further details in Legitimate sec- 
'tion. 



JOUN W. BEHADSEB 

John W, Rehauscr,' 68, retired con- 
ductor, arranger and composer who 
had heen connected with vaudeville, 
musical comedy and radio, died Nov. 
26 at Foi'est^illsi L. I. , 

Behaius^r played in theatrical and 
dance orchestras 6nd later developed 
into a conductor and arranger. He 
composed and conducted the music 
/or various vaudeville acts, inbluding 
those of Gus Edwards, ' with whom 
he toured for many, years. After 
that he conducted the orchestr^a for 
the Weber and Fields musical sho^s 
and did orchestral arrangements for 
the "Ziegfcld Follies" and other 
shows. ' 

In recent years he exposed inci- 
dental music and arranged' orchestra- 
tion for radio show's, among them ?d 
Wynn's program, the Ford Hour, 
Cavalcade of America, March of 
I'ime and the Bell Telephone Hour. 
He retired in 1045. 

He leaves a wife and two sons.. 



HARRISON BROCKBANK 

' ' Harrison Brockbank^ lSOi: veteran 
baritone of musical comedy and' col- 
lector of relics of. North American 
Indians, died in ,N. Y., Nov. 30. 

Born in Liverpool, Brockbank ap- 
peared in many Broadway produc- 
tions, ' chiefly musica^. His first 
roles were perfohhed at the Drury 
Lanie and the Covent Garden in Lon- 
don. He studied music in London 
with' .Mme. Tasca and voice with 
Signer Franco Leoni. He came to this 
country in 1909 and became a citizen 
in 1916. 

A member of the Lambs since 
1914, Brockbank appeared in Such 
Broadway musicals as "Sometime," 
'-'Apple Blossoms," "The Last Waltz," 
"Melody" and "The Three Muske- 
teers." 



W. W. HINSHAW 

William W. Hinshaw, 80, retired 
concert singer and opera producer, 
died Nov, 27 in Washington. He had 
made more than 5,000 concert ap- 
pearances in the U. S. and abroad 
prior to his retirement in , 1931. 

Born in Union, la.,' Hinshaw 
studied music at Valparaiso Univ., 
and in 1895 was named dean of the 
institution's muiSic conservatory. He 
made his first grand opera appear- 
anc at St. Louis in 1899 as Mephisto 
.in"Faust." He gang baritone with 
the Metropolitan Opera from 1910- 
1913 and produced operas himself in 
later years. 

Wife,' a daughter and three sons 
turvive. 



. WALTER K. HILL 

Walter K. HUl, 81, former bur- 
lesque and film press agent, died 
Nov. 22 at St. Petersburg, Fla. He 
was press representative for the old 
Columbia Burlesque Wheel and had 
a similar job in the eastern offices 
of several film companies. 

Hill was president of the Theatri- 
,cal Press Representatives of America, 
which' was absorbed when the Assn. 
of Theatrical Agents and Managers 
was formed. As administrator of the 
TPROA emergency fund during the 
depression. Hill granted all requests 
for aid from members and the fund 
was depleted. 



R6BERT POOLEY 

Bobert Pooley, 42, orchestra leader, 
died Nov. 29 in Worcester, Mass., of 
a cerebral ' hemorrhage. Pooley 
played trumpet for a time with Jean 
Goldkette's orchestra. Later, his 
own orchestra was the studio 
standby for local radio stations 
at various times and played at 
the Hampton .Beach, N. H., Casino 
and the Deshler - Wallick hotel in 
Columbus, O. In recent years he had 
extended engagements at a local 
night club. 

Wife,' mother, two brothers and a 
sister survive. - ^ 



FREDERICK C. SCHANBKRGER 

Frederick C. Schanberger", 75, the- 
atrical manager, died Nov. 27 in 
Baltimore. He had beeti associated 
for many years with the theatrical 
and philanthropic enterprises, of-, the 
late James Lj'Keman who bniM the ' 



Auditorium and Maryland theatres 
in B|altimore, He was a member of 
the Vaudeville Country Club of New 
York and former chairman of the 
Maryland Boxing Commission. 
When stricken, he was associated 
with his son, J. Lawrence Schanber- 
ger, in the ownership of Keith's, de 
luxe flrst-rUh in Baltimoie. 

Wife, two sons, daughter, three 
brothers and sister survive. 



PAT DALY 

Gordon C. Munger, 56, who as Pat 
Daly was a former dancer and 
comedian in vaude, legit, film and 
radio, died Nov. 19 at his home in 
Detroit after a- long illness. He 
had been an entertainer for 47 years. 
•Starting in minstrels and vaude- 
ville, Daly appeared in straight 
plays, musical comedies, pictures 
and radio. In his early days he was 
associated with the late George 
Primrose. He and his wife were In 
vaudeville together as Pat and 
Genevieve Daly. 

Wife survives; ^ 



JO^EPH-M. GILL 

Jo.<;eph M. Gill, 93, former band 
leader and musician in St, Louis, 
died Nov. 24 in that city, after two 
years' illness. A gi-aduate of George- 
town Univ., Gill became a violinist 
in the St. Louis symph. orch. Later 
he organized his own dance orch. 
that played for many years in the 
midwest. He was credited with hav- 
ing given Harry James his first 
tooting joo: when Gill's band wa-s 
touring in Texas. 

Brother and sister survive. 



EDWARD BECK 

Edward Beck, 69, show producer 
for the Walnut Room "bf the Bis- 
marck Hotel, Chicago, died Nov. 19 
in Hollywood. He began his career 
as a song-and-dance''man, appearing 
In "The Chocolate Soldier," "Pink 
Lady" and others. As a Chicago cafe 
producer, he was foremost in his 
field during the 1920's, presenting 
jfevue.s at Mann's, Marigold Gardens 
and Bismarck Gardens. ■ 

Wife, Pearl Cook, former dancer, 
a brother and a sister survive^ ■ 



ARTHUR R. BUBBOWS 

, Arthur R. Burrows, 65, British 
broadcasting pioneer, died Nov. 26 
in London. He was among those re- 
sponsible for the first BBC program 
Nov. 15, 1922. 

He had been secretary general and 
director of the International Broad- 
casting Union from 1935 to 1940. Bi' 
1942, he was appointed director of 
the broadcasting division of. the 
British Ministry of Information. He 
also \was a correspondent for The 
Times of London. 



SAM ROCCA 

Sam Rocca, 82, Pittsburgh dis- 
trict exhibitor for the last 35 years, 
died recently at his home in Newall, 
Pa., after a long illness. Rocca 
handled all assignments at -his 
Newell theatre, ranging from jani-- 
tor work to projection. 

Upon his death the house went 
dark and future plans for it have 
not been announced by members of 
the family. 



VIRGINIA GRAFTON 

Virginia Grafton, 33,- songstress, 
was killed in the crash of the Ala<;ka 
Airlines plane in Seattle, Nov. 30. 

Singer, who in private life was 
the wife of Robert Stittworth, Ta- 
coma detective, had been niaking 
.the hop from Alaska, where she had 
completed nitery engagements, ac- 
cording to her husband, .who had 
been at the airport to meet her. 



CHARLES WHITTLE 

Charles Whittle, 73, former song 
writer and music hall performer, 
died Nov. 27 at his home in Brad- 
ford, England. While starring. at the 
London Pavilion and the-Tivoli, Ox- 
ford, 20-odd years ago, he wrote 
"Put Me Among the Girls," "Fall In 
and. Follow Me" and "Let's AH Go 
Down to the Strand," which had 
wide popularity, ' 

He retired 17 years ago. 



'5S 



BRUCE LEIGH GOLDIE 

Bruce Leigh Goldie, 32, until re- 
cently continuity editor of CKCK, 
Regina, Sask., died in that place 
Nov. 21. He resigned Nov. 1 because 
of ill health. 

Wife survives. 



M. M. VORSTEB 

M. M. Vorster, theatre manager 
for many year.s«for African Theatres, 
Capetown, South Africa, collapsed 
and died Oct. 11 in Paarl, near 
Capetown. He, .was at one time man- 
ager of the'ol'Cl itviAt vaudeville tie-* 



atrt in Capetown. Aftck 
closed, Vorster managed \ 
theatres and was in cba) 
Protea, in Paarl, when hf' 
Wife survives, ^ 



WILLIAMt.E. LAWRENCE 
William E. ("Babe") Lawrence, 51, 
film and stage actor, died Nov. 28 in 
Hollywood. He I went to the Coast. in 
1914 for "Birth of a Nation" '«nd 
played juve leads until' the First 
World War. 

He returned to the Broadway 
stage in 1920, but returned to pic- 
tures in 1930. V 



ERNEST ADAMS 
Ernest Adams, 62, screen actor, 
died Nov. 26 in Hollywood: after 9 
long illness. Before entering .pic- 
tures, he appeared in numerous stage 
musicals. 



HENRY S. BERTINETTE, JR. 

Henry S. Bertinette, Jr., 21, an-* 
nouncer at WBIB, FM station in 
New Haven, died Nov. 25 in that 
city,- 



KIRK E. WICKS 

Kirk E. Wicks, 50, who as Eddie 
Powell was a nightclub pianist and 
singer, died Nov. 28 in Chicago. 



P&ther, 78, of Johnny Broderick, 
of the vaude comedy team of Arren 
& Broderick, died suddenly last 
week in Sharon, Pa. Wife and an- 
other son also survive. ■ 



William J. Passmore, 62, owner 
and operator of the Royal theatre. 
Moose Jaw, Sask., from 1930 until 
1945, died NOV. 18 in Victoria, B. C. 



Mother of Benj^tnin H. . Segal, 
managing director of the Shubert 
theatre, New Haven, died Kov. 18 
in that city. ' 



Son, 24, of Gene Dyer, owner of 
station WAIT, Chi., was killed Nov. 
30 in an auto crash near Mundelein, 
111. 



- BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Muzzy, son. Can- 
ton, O., Nov. 1,7. Father is WHBC, 
Canton, spo'Ttscaster. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abe Sadofl, son, 
Siouxr City, la., Nov, 26. Father is 
theatre owner therCi 

Mr. and Mrs, James Frangooles, 
sftn, Albany, last week. Father is a 
Paramount Pictures booker there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank DeRosa, son, 
Chicago, Nov. 23. Father is <sales 
traffic manager of WMAQ. . 

Mr. and Mrs. Roberc Carman, son, 
Chicago, Nov. 21. Father is. assistant 
manager of NBC' Central Division 
Continuity department. 

Mr. and Mrs, Bob. Holt, daughter, 
Hollywood, Nov. 24. Fath($r Is a 
film flack. 

Mr, and Mrs. El wood C. Hoffman, 
son. New York, Nov. 26. Father Is 
an editor of CBS' program writing 
division;: mother' is Toni Darnay, 
radio actress. 

Mr. and Mrs. Howard B^rd, 
daughter, Pittsburgh, . Nov. 30. 
Mother's Patti Jean Baldridge, for- 
mer band vocalist. 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Muhl, son, 
Hollywood, Nov. 24. Father is gen- 
eral manager . of Unlversal-Inter* 
national studio. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abe Sadofl, son, 
Sioux City, Nov. 26. Father is owner 
of the Fourth Street theatre in that 
city. . 

Mr. and Mrs. W. Ray Wilson, son,' 
Hollywood, Nov. 26. Father is a ra- 
dio and film writer; mother Is the 
former Marion Jones, dancer. 

Mr. and Mrs''. Milt Ho'ffman, son, 
Mt Kisco, N. Y,. Dec. 1. Father 
is with Paramount's h;0. adv; dept. 

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Brennan, 
son, Germantown, Pa., Dec. ; 1. 
Father is a Warner Theatres' exec 
there. 




Contlnned from pan 1 ,„|,,^,^,j^ 



l^iskers on Limb 

Coiitimied from page 1 ss 



found its way on wax," one music 
publisher concedes, "because neither 
we nor the record people want to 
get caught short." 

Quite a few songsmiths, surpris- 
ingly, are going into private record- 
ing business. Utilizing some passable 
vocalist, and with only a piano or 
pei'haps an inexpensive rhythmic 
trio for musical acompanimcnt, the 
private recording studios have been 
doing a rushing business on new 
and unexploited songs. The idea is 
to have a master available if, as and 
when a shortage is created, and 
perhaps one of these songs (still un- 
published) may catch on some time 
in '48, Theory is that these masters 
are a cu.<thion for future disk press- 
ings, 'In that post-iJaffi- 'l- period, 
"whfen "fresh recoisiln'gs^ ire tabu; 



were grossing around $26,000 a Week 
in the Theatre. Inc., revival of 
"Pygmalion," Miss Cornell revived 
"Candida" again for 24 performances 
m New York and 22 on the road, in 
repertory with "Antigone." No fig- 
ures are -available for the engage- 
ment, but even for the interval the 
two Shaw plays were running simul- 
taneuously, it's doubtful if their 
combined gross equalled the $31,500 
figure Evans- iS' drawing. 

The reason the Evans revival is 
gettiiig highec grosses than the Law- 
rence-'Massey "Pygmalion" or the 
1936 edition of Miss. Gornell's "St. 
Joan," which drew ^almost $23,000 a 
week; is that- the current' production 
has a $4.80 top, whereas the scale 
used to go no higher than $3.60. But 
the most important factor, from the 
standpoint of Shaw's royalties, is 
that the Evans production appears 
likely to play through the season 
and, according to Evans' policy in 
the past, put in a solid season on the 
road during 1948-49. The produc- 
tion moves Feb. 16 from the Alvin to 
the Hudson, N. Y. 

A striking angle of the current 
"Man" revival is not only that, for 
the first time in his career as an ac- 
tor-manager, Evans is paying royal- 
ties at all; but that he's- payin'g. the 
highest rate in show business: 
Whereas m'ost other playwrights get 
a sliding scale of' (7%% on the first 
$5,000, 10% on the next $5,000 
and 12%% on all over $10,000), 
Shaw has always- insisted upon a 
flat 15%. So Evans, who in -the past 
has .produced the works of' Shake- 
speare alone (which is, of course, 
royalty-free), has this time picked 
out theiauthor who's the toughest 
businessman of them all. 

Some of the notable Shaw pro- 
ductions in the U. S. in the past have 
been the following: 

"Heartbreak House," by the Thear 
tre Guild, 1920-21 (for 125 per- 
formances). 

"Back tOk Methuselah" (consisting 
of five separate plays) , by the Guild, 
1921-22 (seven weeks). 

"Devil's- Disciple." Guild, 1922-23 
(about 10 weeks). 

"St. Joan," Guild, 1923-24 (grossing 
as high as $10,000 a week, for over 
200 performances). 

"Candida," Actor's Theatre, with 
Katharine Cornell, 1924-25 (at Q,rst 
offered at special matinees, later ex- 
tended for a regular run, and 
grosses about $14,000 for some 
weeks,, playing a total of 143 per- 
formances). 

"Caesar ' and Cleopatra," Guild, 
1924-25 (48 performances). 

"Arms ' and the Man'," Guild, 
1924-25 (grossed as high as $15,000 
a weeki ran 180 performances).. 

"Androcles and the Lion" and 
"Man of Destiny" Mouble bill). 
Guild, 1925'26 (68 performances). 

"PygmfOlon," Guild, 1926-27 (143 
performances). 

"Doctor^ Dilemma/' Guild, 1927-28 
(US performances). , 

"Major Barbara," GuUd, 1928-29 
(84 performances). 

"Apple Cart," Guild, 1929-30 (88 
performances). . ' 

"Getting Married,". Guild, 1930-31 
(48 performances). 

"Top True to Be GMd," Guild,' 
1931-3ii (S7 performancesX 

"Candida," Cornell, 1933-34 (two 
performances a week) in repertory, 
for 40 weeks). 

"Simpleton of thfc Unexpected 
Isles," Guild, 1934-35 (40 perform- 
ances.). 

"St. Joan," V Cornell, 1935-36 
(grossing -nearly $23,000 for some 
weeks, ran 89 performances in New 
York and 79 on tour). 

"Candida,"' Cornell, 1936-37 (in 
repertory, with "Wingless Victory," 
played 50 performances in New 
York and about 24 on tour. Reper- 
tory grossed as high as $18,000 in 
N. Y.). 

"Heartbreak House," Mercury 
Theatre (Orson Welles); 1937-38, 
(several weeks' run). 

"Candida," on the Coast, with 
Ann Raiding, 1938-39. 

"Candida," in Chicago, with Cor- 
nelia Otis Skinner, 1938-39. 

"Doctor's DUemma," Cornell, 
1940-41 (grossed about $19,000 for 
some weeks, ran 121 performances 
in New York, plus five weeks' 
tour). 

"Candida," Cornell, with Burgess. 
Meredith, Raymond Massey, Dudley 
Digges; 1941-42. (for War Relief 
benefit, grossed $122,247 In 27 per- 
formances in New York and eight in 
Washington). » 

"Pygmalion," Theatre, Inc. (Ger- 
trude Lawrence-Raymond Massey), 
1946-46" (grossed. as, high 'as '$26',00Ck 
focr '-iome' wee'ks,' raii ''I7tf ■|)erfomi' ' 



ances in New York, plus a season 
tour), " • 

"Candida," Cornell, 1945-46 iin 
repertory with "Antigone," played 
24 performances in New York, plus 
22 on tour). 

The Guild has scheduled a pro- 
duction of "You Ne<'er Can Tell" 
for l^ter this season, 

In addition to the above, thert 
have been innumerable productions 
of -Shaw plays for special perform- 
ances, by .repertory and stock 
groups; etc. 



State Quits Vaude 



sss Continved ftom jpage 1 sss 

in which cas6 vaudeville would 
not have been discontinued. 

The agencies go further in declar- 
ing that the. dropping of the State 
vaudeville will ^undoubtedly mean 
that the remainder of the stageshow 
houses will be able to get perform- 
ers at "reasonable" lees. Many, they 
.say, remember after the JPalace shut- 
tered, most acts refused no' reason- 
able offer, and perhaps; the State ' 
closing will mean a return of 
'sanity" in the matter of salaries. 

The State will have- a policy of 
single features on first runs, and 
double features when' subsequent 
run fllmp are shown. Initial bill will 
be "Cass Timberlane" and a "Blon- 
die" film. . 

With the vaude^ exit from the 
State, Loew's will have only two 
stageshow, houses, the Capitol, N. Y., 
and the Capitol, Washington, 

There still remains the poissibility 
that the ctiange may not be final. 
There's some feeling throughout the 
Loew organization that the -stage- . 
show policy -will return if 'grosses 
are considerably' lower. Under the 
stageshow policy the house averaged 
arouud $28,000, with the -all-time 
high mark being set at $55,000 when 
Eddie Cantor appeared there in 
1939. If the average gross is con-.- 
siderably lower than $28,000 minus 
stageshow costs, then Loew exe'cs 
may put back, the- Vaude. 

However, that, remains to be seisn 
after the- Dee." 18 bill topped by 
Molly Picon; Jack Carter and Dave 
Apollon ends' an important chapter 
in the history of vaudeville. 



Hillbilly Acts Hypa Par 
Pard's Carolina Houses 

Charlotte, N. C, Dec. 2. 

Wilby-KIncey circuit. Paramount- 
partnered chain straddling the Caro- 
linas, has turned to vaudeville to 
bolster slipping picture grosses. Sub- 
stantial number of its theatres are 
now booking hillbilly five-act shows 
for. one-a-week appearances. New 
policy, in the main, has been adopt- 
ed by houses in towns varying from 
10,000 to 35,000 in population. 

The shows are traveling as units 
from town to town to -fill in along 
.with a single picture. Theatres for- 
merly dished up dualers seven daya 
a week. Understood that H. F. Kin- 
cey ordered the changeover , figuring 
the public is ripe for talent drawn " 
from the local hills. 



« MARRIAGES 

Sylvia Berger to Albert Redman, 
New York, Nov. 29. Bride is a mem-> " 
ber of th^ CBS program writing 
division. 

Rosemary Bruns to Ifliohard W.- 
Leibert, Malverne, L. Nov. 29. 
He's organist at Radio City Music 
Hall, 'N. Y., and on various radio 
programs. 

Maryline White to Byron Collins, 
Hiverdale, N. Y., Nov. 29. He's a 
commercial writer at Young & Ru-' 
bicam. ' 

Toni Reynolds to Fred Wilcox, 
Beverly Hills, Nov. 30. He's a direc- 
tor at-Metro. 

Mary L. Byrne • to H*nry Clark, 
Canton, O., Nov. 27. He's an engi- 
neer at WHBC; Canton. 

Mary liull to Andrew "Wiswell, 
New York-, Oct. 24. He's recording 
director of Muzakt 

Riith Bose . to Claude Kirchner, 
Chicago, Nov. 29. He's disk jockey 
and announcer on "Ladies . Be 
Seated" radio show. 

Mildred Tilson to Bruce. William- 
son, Maryborough, Ireland, Nov. 19, 
He's film critic of The Irish Times. 

Jayne McGahey to Russell Bun- 
desen, Chicago, Nov. 22. -Bride is 
member of the Pinning Sisters, 
singing trio. 

Lynne . Bowman to Lionel Shelly, 
Las Vegas, Dec. 2. He's a western 
actori she's in the-line-at Eiirl C;ar- 

fifoH«e,"ita-itt)ii/w6ad.'-: t' 



S4 



■WMMkltfWBIi. 



Wedneaday, December 3f 1947 



Broadway 



Paul N. Tutnfer, counsel for Equity 
in California, on vacationi 

Guy Palmerton, summer stock 
mfluasiec, at Post Graduate hospital 
tot operation. 

Milton Berle. will '.'roastmaster" 
the (Friars' luncheon Friday (5) for 
Franlc Sinatra, o 

, Mrs. Nate (Vera) Blumberg tied- 
ded by cold. They return to the 
Coast we6k after next. 

Installation Gambol will be held at 
the Lambs Sunday (7), the 72d of 
its kind since the club was formed. 

Eddie Weber, business manager of 
♦'Can You Top This?!,', cracked a nb 
whilft moving a piano at his home. 

Broadway barrister Ed Raftery's 
daughter, Marie Antoinette, formal- 
ly engaged to i:atthew Leon Coneys. 

Hal Roach in N. Y, from Holly- 
wood to reSume conferenoes with 
United Artists on upcoming two pro- 
ductions. ■ ■ 

Lou Lissner, back with "1 ReJhem- 
ber Mama" in Phjiladelphia„ slipped 
In bathtub there ahd fractured 
couple of ribs. 

Pianist William Kapell bacK from 
his first European trip, where he 
did 19 concerts in four months m 
Important European capitals, 

Marjorie Reynolds, film actress, 
sailed' for Britain last week to as- 
sume the lead in the forthcoming 
London production of "Burlesque." 

Leon Siritzky, head of Siritzky 
International Pictures, ■ sworn in as 
an American citizen this week. He 
also runs th6 Ambassador theatre. 

Karl Posch, w.k. Broadway head- 
waiter (ex^HoUy wood • Restaurant 
lia Conga,. Beachcomber and Sherry- 
Netherlands), now at M6nte's-on- 
tMe-Patk. . ' 

Margalo Gillmore, who recently 
appeared in "State of the. Umon, 
sailed Friday (28) aboard the Mau- 
reteinia for a two-week London va- 
«ation. , XX 

' 7ean Holloway, Metro contract 
writer and formerly a radio scripter, 
Js on leave of absence from the: 
studio and is spending the winter in 
K*w York. 

. The "cocktail partyV which Louise 
and Bugs BaW t,h*ew. Sunday 

'turned out to be an engagement 
jtarty for Arthura (Artra) Baer, 21, 
and' songsmith Martin Kalmanoff . 
' Bob Weitman, Paramount theatre 
manaeing director, and Leonard 
Coldenson, Pafiimount Theatres 
veepee, in Chlrago lor huddles with 
Par partners, vlTeitman retUrn? ^^i- 

.^'^ienheSe chanteuse • Greta Keller 
planed td BufoSe for concert tour. 
'Will also set up production in 
"ViennS of "The Medium," to which 
she owns German and Austrian 
tights. 

Paul O'Brien, of attorneys O'Brien 
DriscoU, Raftery & Lawler, home ill 
this week as result of over-exposure 
to a sunlamp. He fell asleep under 
it on Thanksgiving Day, following 
turkey dinner^ 

Maurice -Bergman, Universal east- 
ern ad-publicity chief, to Coast last 
week for confabs with John Joseph, 
ad-publicity director, and ' other 
studio executives on forthcoming 
campaigns on new product^ 

A. Warsehawer, an exec of Pal- 
estiije's Habimah theatre, due in 
from. Zion'to make- arrangements for 

- Habimah's forthcoming American 
tour. Troupe is scheduled to preem 
on Broadway in March, '48. 
■■'Harriet Kaplan, former story aide 
to Mike Todd and assistant, play edi- 
tdr of Metro, back in New ' York 
after five months on the Coast. She 

1 ii*6turned via 'a six weeks' vacation 
tottr of Mexico and> Central Amer- 
ica.. 

■ liina Abarbanel, of Dwight Deere 
Wiman office; feir downstairs In a 
'photog's studiQ last week, and sent 
to ' French hospital 'with cuts and 
bruises. Was accompanying Tish 
Wiman ■ (Dwight's daughter) for 
marriage photos. 

Faith and John Cecil Holm pro- 
moting backing for "Gramercy 
.Ghost," comedy written by himself. 
With Faith Holm as produce; Albert 
: K. Rosen, business manager of "An 
Inspector Calls," as <b.m.; bankroll 
calls for $60,000. 

Columbia recorded four songs 
from the legiter, "Music In My 
Heart," Surjiday (30), with Charles 
Ft'edericks^ Martha- Wright, Delia 
Lind and Jean Handzlik of the 
Broadway cast singing, and Franz 
3teininger conducting the orch. 

On the basis ^of its economic bet- 
.terment committee's preliminary re 
port, Actors Equity has engaged Rob 
ert R. Nathan, noted economist, to 
make a study ot theatrical employ- 
ment conditions. The subject will 
be ori the agenda at the association's 
, quarterly meeting Dec. 12.. 

Mary MacArthur, daughter of 
Helen Hayes and Charles Mac- 
Arthur; .. is attending American 
Academy of Dramatic Art this sea- 
son,. Had two strawhat experiences, 
with her mother in "Alice Sit By 
the Fire" in '46, and ■vnith Lillian 
Gish in "The Marquise" in '47. 

Walter Vincent, prez of Actors' 
X'und, to; sponsor a Christmas pro- 
gram at the Actors Fund Home, 
£ngl0wood, N. J., Sunday afternoon 
(28). Soba Alexander and Florence 
Aquino .will apoear in specially 
■written scene by S. Jay Kaufman. 
Among others to participate are Guy 
Kibtoee, Tom Terri>, Geoffrey 
O'Hara, Norman MacKay, George 
Jaison. 

the Ken Klings took their 22-year- 
OliA fion to Phtfly for the Arpiy-Navy 



game and- decided to stay ■over for 
Joe E, Lewis, currently at the Latin 
CasJ-Vi • there. The comedian.be- 
moa. ■ that here he was, sans any 
topical A-N gags but the songwrit- 
ing son of the cartoonist whipped up 
a couple— and incidental^ sold Lewis 
two special songs at $750 each. 



Dublin 



By Maxwell Sweeney 

Royal Cinema, Wmerick, opened 
on site of fotmer Athaneum. 

Mayfair Ballroom, Arklow, Wick- 
low (Sounty seaside terpery, sold for 
$42,000. 

Abbey doing big biz . with, revival 
of- Frank Carney's "The Righteous 
are Bold." 

Two Cities Films director Brian 
Desmond Hurst back to England 
after looking over talent here. 

Max Milder, head of Associated 
British Cinemas circuit, here for 
talks on company's Irish interests. ■ 

Belfast's non-profit-making Arts 
Studio Theatre now rehearsing Au- 
den and Isher wood's "Ascent of F6." 

Dublin Film Productions re- 
portedly dickering for Maura La' 
verty's latest novel, "Lift Up -Your 
Gate?." 

Actor John MoDarby planes to 
New York for part in "Finian's 
Rainbow." He tried out in the Lon- 
don production. 

Sir David Gunynghame, London 
Film Prodt^ctions managing director, 
here for Irish ■ preem of "Open 
City" at Regal Ro.6ms. . 

Government of northern Ireland is 
expected to vote grant of $160,000 to 
northern Ireland Council for En- 
couragement of'' Music and Arts 
towards 'purchase of theatre in Bel- 
fast. 




By Hal Coben . 

The Bernie Armstrongs (he's the 
KDKA . staff orch leader) are due 
for parenthood again. ■ 

Tech drama, school's next show 
will be "Wingless Victory," under 
direction of Mary Morris. 

Dick Powell flew into town in his 
own plane and remained two days 
on account of .bad weather. 

Jackie Heller has a fellow Benny 
Davis alumnus, Jackie Green, head- 
ing the show at his Carousel. 

Donald' Stein'flrst on the job again 
reviewing concerts ' tot the Post- 
Gazette following an operation. 

Alicia Fuller out of the hospital 
after an operation, but won't go 
back to work' at KQV until first of 
year. 

, AHIA and Playhouse sponsoring 
joint Frank Hipps Memorial per- 
formance of "June Moon" in mem- 
ory of lat$ actor, Killed in an auto- 
crash. 



. By. St Slmltx 

Walton hotel being, remodeled, due 
to be reopened May 1. 

Jose Iturbi signed for a concert 
recital Jan. 11 at Academy ol Mu- 
■sic. . 

Eddie Bracken here to head up 
Gimbel's annual Thanksgi'ving Day 
Parade. 

Buddy Rogers planed in yester-: 
day (Tues.) to ballyhoo hiSi forth- 
coming film, "Sleep My Love." 

Gene Beverly has joined the Joel 
Charles agency in charge of sales 
for the orchestra and variety de- 
partments. 

John Henninger, WIBG chief en- 
gineer, named to the newly-created 
post of technical director of WIBG- 
AM, WIBG-FJW, WIBG-TV and Na- 
tional Wired Music. 



Palestine Partition 



ition 

e 1 isssssl 



Continued from page 

"Pick-Up Girl," the Broad\yay hit of 
several seasons ago, which followed 
"Take It" at the same house. 

Cast includes ' Hanna ' Sukenik, 
Joseph Passovsky, Rosa Lichtenstein, 
H. Bar Tdv Gutman, Yem{na Passov- 
sky, Emmanuel Ben Amos and Tuvia 
Gruenbaum. Passovsky staged while 
Peter Kamnitzer did the settings. 

Palestine Film Censorship Board' 
has lifted the ban on the Danish 
film, "Day of Wrath," after repre- 
sentations by the distributors of the 
picture as well as the Danish Writers 
Assn. 

Still banned are a revival of the 
French film, "Kerraesse Heroique," 
and the Italian picture, "Open City." 
Board, however, is scheduled to re- 
view its previous decision on the 
latter. 

Documentary film showing efforts 
of Jewish men and women in re- 
claiming Palestine's soil is drawing 
strong business at Zion cinemas. 
Titled "The Great Promise," picture 
was directed by Joseph Leites, with 
score by Mischa Spoliansky. • 

Story is related by men bf the 
Jewish Brigade to an old man in a 
German concentration camp on the 
day of libertion. Technically the 
documentary has been produced on 
a high quality level. A&ting is quite 
moving, while lensing, editing and 
Englisfat synchronization measure up. 



BBC radio licenses to date number 
around 10,998,000, These include 
approximately 28,000 television li- 
censes. ■■«> ■ 

Millie Hoey, who operated The 
Bag O'NaUs, popular Soho nltery, 
died. She once managed Kate Mey- 
rick's notorious 43 Club. 

Francis, Day «? Hunter celebrating 
tiitfir 70th anniversary on Dec. 16, 
with staff dinner. Firm claims it's 
oldest in England for pop numbers* 

Google Withers, stage and film ac- 
tress and Australian-born John Mc- 
Callum, who appeared with her m 
"The Loves of Joanna Godden," to 
marry. 

Film stars Kieron Moore and 
Barbara White, whose last film ap- 
pearance's were in "Mine Own ExCt- 
cutioner," set to marry in London, 
tomorrow (4). 

Denis Johnston's Irish comedy, 
"The Moon In the Yellow River," 
was revived at the Arts Theatres 
Club, Nov. 26, with Jack HawMns as 
'the recluse father. 

Reg Connelly and Irwin Dash sail 
to U. S. on the Mauretania, Dec. 9. 
Connelly returns on the Queen 
Elizabeth Jan. 24; while Dash's stay 
is prolonged. to Feb. 4. ' ■ . 

Musicart, Ltd., transferring the 
successf ul c o m e d y, "Happy as 
Larry," from the' small Mercury the- 
atre- to the Criterion, Dec. 16. Show 
produced by. Denig Carey will keep 
the original east. 

First del- Giudlce picture to be 
made for his new company t Pilgirim 
Pictures, will be an adaptation from 
the stage success, "Tk^ Guinea Fig," 
by W. Chetham-Strode. Boulting 
Bros. . will start production early 
next year at Metro's Elstree studio. 

Gracie Fields, who sails for 
America tomorrow (4) on the Queen 
Mary ^ is anxious to resume legit act- 
ing. Last time she did it was in 
1928 in "S. O. S." at the St. James' 
theatre, opposite the late Sir Gerald 
du Maurieir. 



South Africa 

By Xoe Huisoa 

The Ashtons, Australian family of 
acrobats, arrived here to join circus. 
■ "Forever Amber" released in Jo- 
hannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. 

.Joan Hammond, Australian singer^ 
doing big biz on South African con- 
cert tour, 

Norman Alexander here to pro- 
duce documentaries for . Waverley 
Films, London. . - 

African Theatres announces plans 
for new l,D00-seater at Wynberg, 
suburb of Cape Town, to be com- 
pleted by 1948. 

J. H. Nevinson arrived from Eng- 
land to take up appointment of 
South African director for J. Arthur 
Rankdrganization. , 

Oscar Nissen,. Norwegian film ac- 
tor, passed through - Cape Town 
serving as seaman on a ■whaling ship 
en route to Antarctic* 

Irene Morgan and Kathleen Cave, 
English revue artists, scoring hit in 
Cape Town with season of repertory 
revue called "Seeing Stars." 

South Africa Broadcasting .Corp. 
announces increase in pay for mem- 
bers of Cape Town Studio orches- 
tra. Basic pay now_ is £500 ($2,000) 
yearly. ' 

Fight to obtain civic theatre for 
Caf)e Town still proceeding. Local 
business men offered to purchase 
old Italian Consulate for conversion 
to theatre at cost of $283*000 but 
South Africa Broadcasting Corp. fa- 
vors the site for ne-w. broadcasting 
studios. " < 



By Emit W. Maas 

Librettist Karl Leibinger, 62, died. 

Rudolf Hanzl elected president' of 
Vienna Philharmonic Society. 

Dr. Josef Marx elected president 
of Austrian Composers Assn. 

Aurel Nowotny, 66, president of 
Artists Union, died suddenly. 

Friedrioh Gagern, 65, well-known 
poet, died in St. Leonhard am Forst. 

Daisy Halban-Ku'rz, back, after 10 
years ■•exile, gave a concert' in 
Brahmssaal. 

Schoenbrunner theatre closed 
down, due to bad business. Used as 
film studios now. » 

Salzburg Festival plans to produce 
next season the Swiss opera, "Le Vin 
Herbe," by Frank Martin. 
, Robert Stglz writing the music for 
Hubert Marisohkas' latest film pro- 
duction, "Girl Prom the Island." 

French" film producer Andre 
Paulve announced that 15 Fernch 
pictures are being synchronized 
here. 



By lies Bees 
Andy's nitery has Seror Twins. 
Freddy - Master's hand into St. 
Paul Flame nitery. 

North Star Drama Guild, little 
theatre group, offering "Jane Eyre." 

Senor Wences and Franks & Jany- 
ce into Hotel Nicollet Minnesota 
Terrace. 

Orrin Branton 20th-Fox Salesman, 
recovering in St. Mary's hospital 
from major operation. 
. Victor Borge drew only fair 
houses at two Twin City one- 
nighter concert engagements. 

Lyceum here gets "Red Mill" week 
of Dec, 14, "Harvey'' week of Dec. 



2. and "Chocolate Soldier" to fol- 
low. , 

Film Row friends have been blood 
ddhors for Clara Eisenberg of Uni- 
versal, recovering in University 
hospital from major operation. 

Jack Lorentz, 20th-Fox midwest 
sales head, presided over sales con- 
ference at Hotel Nicollet here, with 
Omaha, Des Moines and local ex- 
changes participating. 

Mary Seibel, young daughter of 
Ev. Seibel, Minnesota Alinus. Co. 
publicity and advertising head, play- 
ing lead in St. Catherine Semmary's 
production of "Enchanted Cottage." 

San Francisco 

By Tei Friend 

Clare and Henry ltuc« at Mark 
Hopkins. . 

Straw Hat Review, local legit 
group, set at Golden Gate Dec. 17. 

Dean Murphy accepts <beaucoup 
benefits while playing at St. Francis. 

Benny Strong to follow Carmen 
Cavallero- orch into Peacock Court 
Dec. 7. 

Mucho"** local society excitement 
over-Ina. Claire opening Monday (8) 
at Geary. 

Edward J. Noble in for festivities 
when KGO-ABC switched to 50,600- 
watt transmitter Monday (1).: 

Louis Armstrong, Jackson Teagar- 
den, Bamejr Btgad and Sid Catlett 
into Burma Club at $4,000 per. 

Big contingent' of Hollywood stars 
in for Damon Runyon cancer fund 
fashion show at Mark Hopl^ins with 
$10 admish lee, 

Frisco symph, with Pierre Mon-^ 
teux at helm, still biggest sellout 
in town, all three weekly Opera 
House performances' SRO. 



Dave O'Malley's Fort Myers home 
burned Thursday (27). 

Russell Birdwell has opened a Chi 
branch of his publicity outfit. ■ 

Giene Tierney doing shopping here 
before returning to the Coast. ' 

John .Xyildberg .here for confabs 
on opening of ''Anna Lucasta." ' 

Kay Armen in from the East to 
spend holidays with' her family. 

DonSld O'ConiAor opens Jan. 9 at 
the Oriental theatre for two-wedc 

Nictt Kalcheim, of 'William Morris, 
in from New York {or huddles with 
Leo Salkin. 

The Woodstock Players opened 
their winter season Nov. 27 with 
"The Male Animai:" 

Sam Jaffe will headline the Golden 
Jubilee Festival of the Zionist or- 
ganization here Dec. 21. . 

Joan Edwards in for Vitacoustic 
recording date and guest appear- 
ances on the Jack Smith show. ' 

The Hull House Players opening 
Dec. 8 of "Bury the Dead" marks the 
50th anniversary of tlie theatre 
group. ■ 

Robert Ryan, RKO plMrer, is ex- 
pected here Dec. 9 to address meet:< 
ing of the National Conference of 
Christians and Jews. 



Tokyi 



0 

Theatres, radio, newspapers and 
race tracks took leading roles in. the 
launching of Japan's nationwide 
charity campaign last week. ' 

Carl Mydans, Tokyo bureau head 
of Time-Life International, gave 
concluding lecture to Army students 
attending the international news re- 
porting class. 

Appearance of Tetsu Katayama at 
opening of Zenshinza troupe's "Mer- 
chant of Venice" production at 
Waseda Univ. last week marked first 
time a Jap Prime Minister has pub- 
licly attended any type of theatrical 
performance. Katayama is a strong 
advocate of a national theatre. 



Hollywood 



a; Vance Cfrahams divorced. 
William (3oetz in from New York. 
Bill Bendix ill with throat infec-i 
tion. , 

Oscar Levant and his wife recon- 

'Ciledt. ■ ■ ■ •■ 

Philip Ddni bought a farm ' In 
Oregon. 

• Mary Astor hospitalized for ob- 
servation. 

Geopge Tobias i>laned in from 
Manhattan. ' 

Alice Faye broke an arm in a fall 
down stairs.' 

Helen Forrest to marry Paul 
Holohan, Dec/ 7. 

Russ Vincent bought a 400-acre 
ranch m Oregon. 

Betty Grable bedded with a dis- 
placed sacro-iliac. . ' 

Margaret Wycherly in from New 
York for film wprk. 

Joe Frisco in town after a week's 
showing in Las Vegas. 

Johnpy Shadrack opened at Char- 
ley Foy's Supper Club. 

Pat O'Brien being paged by the 
Abbey theatre, Dublin, 

Greg McClure, born Dale Easton. 
is legalizing his film name. 

Jane Powell returned from per- 
sonal' appearances in the east.' 

Virginia Mayo returned from 
three weeks of stage touring, 

Susan Hayward called off her 
divorce suit against Jess Barker. 

L. E, Behymer, 85-year-old Los 
Angeles impresario, seriously ill. 

Natalie Wood recoverinft'firom in- 
juries sustained in a motor crash. 

Louis B, Mayer and Howard 
Strickling planed in from New York. 

John Ridgely back to work in 
"The Sealed Verdict" after a siege 
of flu. 

. Charles Meeker in town to scout 
talent for next summer's operettas 
at Dallas. 

Emma Goodmaif retired on doc- 
tor's orders after 25 years as Sophie 
Tucker's secretary. 

Father Paul Donceur, technical 
advisor, on the "Joan" picture, 
leaves for Paris next week, 

Tyrone Power returned to town 
after a^ 13-week air tour, covering 
32,000 miles and 18 countries on four 
continents. 

Richard English succeeds Gordon 
Kahn as editor of Screen Writer, 
monthly magazine of the Screen 
Writers Guild. 



Miami Beach 

■ By Larry Solloway 

Jackie Phillips at Famous Door. 

Tony Martin sought for late Feb- 
ruary date at Colonial Inn. 

Cross & Dunn and DeCastro Sis- 
ters into Clover Club, this week. 

Latin Quarter readying mid-De- 
cember opening, with Myron Coheh 
heading show;. , 

Newest club in town is Little Ro- 
mania, preeming Dec. 17 with 
Moishe Oyshe and continental for- 
mat show. 

Milton Berle, in for four days, 
planed back Sunday (30). Spent 
most of his stay at Copacabana 
lounge on the Barry Gray aifcast, 
and Mother Kelly's, where Gloria 
King is working. 

Portland, Gre. 

Dale Bray's Quartet at the Trop- 
ics. ■ ■ 

Catherine Toomay at the Glover 

Club., ■ 

Skinnay Ennis at Jantzen Beach 
Ballroom. 

Betty Vickers headlining new 
stage show at Capitol theatre. 

Rusty Coleman filling in for Jerrv 
Owens at Club Hy Mac for the weelc. 

Mills Brothers into Music Hall 
Supper Club, with Gloria Jean on 
the supporting bill. 

Beatrice Kay held for a second 
\veek at the Cloud Room, with Ar- 
thur Blake to follow. 
i.r5'?i*^l'*'''',.'^'"^'"8, Pauline and Jack 
Whitehead's orchestra at the Rose 
Bowl, Multnomah hotel. 



' Budapest 

By Georee Gaal 

Pesti Szinhaz will stage O'Neill's 
Anna Christie" ne- '•. 

Magda Rasko, State Opera singer, 
now at Vienna Konzerthaus. 

Sigurd Rascher, Danish saxophon- 
ist, giving several concerts here. 

E. van Beinum, director of the 
Amsterdam Concertgebouw, in town. 

Opera singer' Gabriella Relle, 
signed contract with the Rome 
Opera. 

Benjamin Britten's opera 'Peter 
Grimes" will be performed at the 
State Opera here. " 

Actress Frida Gombaszogi prep- 
ping to leave for the states to visit 
sister in New York. 

National Theatre started rehears- 
als of Shakespeare's "Richard III." 
Lead will be played by Tamas Ma- 
jor.-:: 

Hilde Bauman^, solo dancer of 
the Berne Opera, back to Switzer- 
land after several performances 
here. 

Gyorgy Denes, celebrating 30th 
anni as actor, awarded the Pro Arte 
medal by the President of the Re- 
public. 

Jphn van- Di-uten's "The Voice of 
the Turtle" opening at the Muvesz 
Szinhaz. Hungarian title is "Happy 
Sunday." 

Operetta Theatre prepfping Offen- 
bach's "Helen of Troy" , with new 
prima donna, Marika Nemeth, play- 
ing the lead. 

Mihaly Szekely received the 
Medal of the Republic from Hun- 
gary's President Zoltan Tildy. Sze- 
kely leaves soon for the states to 
sing with the" Metropolitan Opera. 

Hungarian-American Society gave 
an orchestra concert recently at 
Music Art Academy to capacity 
house* Program included Gersh- 
win's "Rhapsody in Blue," David 
Diamond's "Rounds* and Ernest 
Bloch's "Solomon."' 



Australia 

■as By Eric Gorrick 

Ernest TurnbuU, Hoyt's chief, is 
due back from London before 
Christmas. ' 

Air-Commodore West of Eagle 
Lion* is making extensive survey of 
Melbourne for the Rank interests. 

Two-a-night vaude-revue no go in 
Brisbane for the Tivoli loop St His 
Majesty's. House goes back to pix 
revival. • 

William Herbert, vet showman, 81, 
died here. Was the originator of big 
loop in Newcastle, selling later to 
Ho.yts and GUT. 

Harry Watt has his cameras work- 
ing on "Eureka Stockade" for Baling 
now. Unit is on location in north* 
ern New South Wales* 

Cinesound is puttin" out <■ special 
feature film titled "Cavalcade of 
Australian Sport," dealing *rith all 
the Aussie toppers in the field of 
sport over past 12 months. Idea is 
Ken G. Ball's, Cinesound's chief pro- 
ducer-director. Pic goes into the 
lndi6 Tatter, Sydney, 



OBITlfARIES 



] 



EHNST liUBirSCH 

Ernst Lubitsch, 55, veteran motiott 
picture produced anii- director, di^ji 
suddenly No^. at his home in Bel- 
Air, near HoUyiyood, (Further de- 
tails in iPictures Section.) 

ALEX YOKEL 

jLegit producer Alex Yokel, 61, 
.died Thursday (27) of a heart at- 
tack after Thanksgiving dinner *t a 
friend's home, Lawrence, L. I. 

Jurther detail!) in Legitimate sec- 
tion. ' ' 

JOHN \V, WBUAIISER 

' John W» Behauser* AS, retired con- 
ductor, arranger and .composer- who 
had been connected with vaudeville, 
musical comedy and radio, died Nov. 
26 at Forest,HillB, L. I. 

BehaMser pli^red in theatrical arid 
dance orchestras and later developed 
into a conductor and arranger. He 
composed and conducted the.niusic 
for various vaudeville acts-,' in);luding 
those ot Gus Edwards, with whoxn 
he toured for many, years. Aft^r 
that he conducted the orchestra for 
the Weber and Fields miusical shows 
and did orchei^tral arrangements i6t 
the, "Ziegfeld , Follies" and other 
shows. .,< 

In recent years he cflmposed . inci- 
dental music and arranged, orchestra- 
tion tor radio show's, amon£ Ihenx'Ed 
Wynn'S program, the Ford Hour, 
Cavalcade of America, March of 
Time and the Bell Telephone Hour. 
Be. retiK£d 4n 1945. • . 

He leaves a wife and two sons.,. 



HARBISON BBOCKBANK 

Harrison Brockbanlc, 80, veteran 
baritone of musical comedy and col- 
lector of, relics of. North American 
Indians, died in ,N. Y., Nov. 30. 

Born in Uverpool, Brockljank ap- 
peared in many Broadway produc- 
tions, chiefly musicals. His first 
roles were performed at the Drury 
Lane and the Covent Garden in Lon- 
don. He studied music in London 
with ,Mrae. Tusca and voice with 
Signer Franco Leoni. He came to this 
country in 1909 and became a citizen 
In 1916. 

A member of the Lambs since 
1914, Bfockbank appeared in such 
Broadway musicals as "Sometime," 
'.'Apple Blossoms," "The Last Waltz," 
"Melody" and "The Three Muske- 
te^s." 



Vr, W. HINSHAW 

William W. Hinshaw, 80, retired 
concert singer and opera producer, 
died Nov. 27 in Washington. He had 
made more than 5,000 concert ap- 
pearances in the U. S. and abroad 
prior to his retirement in . 1931. 

Born in Union, la., ' Hinshaw 
studied music at Valparaiso Univ., 
and in 1895 was named dean of the 
institution's music conservatory. He 
made his first grand opera appear- 
anc at St. Louis in 1899 as Mephisto 
.in "Faust." He sang baritone with 
the Metropolitan Opera from 1910- 
1913 and produced operas himself in 
later years. 

Wife,' a daughter and three sons 
survive. 



. WALTER K. HILL 

Walter K. Hill, 81, former bur- 
lesque and film press agent, died 
Nov. 22 at St. Petersburg, Fla. He 
was press tepresentative for the old 
Columbia Burlesque Wheel and had 
a similar job in the eastern offices 
of .several film companies. 

Hill was president of the Theatri- 
cal Press Representatives of America, 
which was absorbed when the Assn. 
of Theatrical Agents and Managers 
was formed. As administrator of the 
TTPBOA emergency fund during the 
depression, Hilt granted all requests 
for aid from members and the fund 
was depleted. 



Auditorium and. Maryland theatres 
in Baltimore. He was a member of 
the Vaudeville Country Club of New 
York and former chairman of the 
Maryland Boxing Commission. 
When stricken, he Was associated 
with his son, J. Lawrence Schanber- 
ger, in the ownership of Keith's, de 
luxe iii'st-run in Baltimore. 

Wife, two sons, daughter, three 
brothers and sister survive. 



PAT DALY 

Gordon C. Munger, 56, who as Pat 
Daly was a former dancer and 
comedian in vaude, legit, film and 
radio, died Nov. 19 at his home in 
Detroit after a- long illness. He 
had been an entertainer for 47 years. 
■ Starting in minstrels and vaude- 
ville, Daly appeared in straight 
plays, musical comedies, pictures 
and radio. In his early days he was 
associated with the late George 
Primrose. He and his wife were in 
vaudeville together as Pat and 
Genevieve Daly. 
Wife survivesj 



'If; 



JOSEPH M. GILL 

Jcseph M. Gill, 53, former band 
lender and musician in St, Louis, 
died Nov, 24 in tliat city, after two 
years' illness. A graduate of George- 
town Univ., Gill became a violinist 
•in the St. Loui,s symph, oroh. Later 
he organized his own dance orch. 
that played for many years in the 
midwest. He was credited with hav- 
ing given Hmry James his first 
tooting jolT when Sill's band was 
touring in Texas. . 

Brother and sister survive. 



EDWARD BECK 

• Edward Beck, 69, show producer 
for the Walnut Room "bf the Bis- 
marck Hotel, Chicago, died Nov. 19 
in Hollywood. He began his career 
as a song-andrdance'*man, appearing 
in "The Chocolate Soldier," "Pink 
Lady" and others. As a Chicago cafe 
•producer, he was foremost in his 
field during the 1920's, presenting 
revues at Mann's,. Marigold Gardens 
and Bismarck Gardens. ' 

Wife, Pearl Cook, former dancer, 
a brother and a sister survive.' 



ROBERT POOLEY 

Robert Pooley, 42, orchestra leader, 
died Nov. 29 in Worcester, Mass., of 
a cerebral hemorrhage, Pooley 
played trumpet for a time with Jean 
Goldkette's orchestra. Later, his 
own orchestra was the studio 
standby for local radio stations 
at various times and played at 
-the Hampton Beach, N. H., Casino 
and the Deshler - Wallick hotel in 
Columbu.s, O. In recent years he had 
extended engagements at a local 
night dub. 

Wife,' mother, two brothers and a 
sister survive. .» 



ARTHUR R. BURROWS 

Arthur R. Burrows, 65, British 
broadcasting pioneer, died Nov. 26 
in London, He was among those re- 
sponsible for the first BBC program 
Nov. 15, 1922. 

He had been seeretar.y general and 
director of the International Broad- 
casting Union from 1935 to 1940. Ih' 
1942, he was appointed director of 
the broadcasting division of. the 
British Ministry of Information, He 
also \was a correspondent for The 
Times of London. 



SAM ROCCA 

Sam Rocca, 82. Pittsburgh dis- 
trict exhibitor for the last 35 years, 
died recently at his home in Newall, 
Pa., after a long illness. Rocca 
handled all assignments at -his 
Newell theatre, ranging from jani.' 
tor work to projection. : 

Upon his death the house went 
dark and future plans for it have 
not been announced by members of 
the family: 



VIRGINIA GRAFTON 

Virginia Grafton, 33,' songstress, 
was killed in the crash of the Alaska 
Airlines plane, in Seattle, Nov. 30. 

Singer, who in private life was 
the wife of Robert Stittworth, Ta- 
coma detective, had been inaking 
the- hop from Alaska,, where she had 
completed nitery engagements, ac- 
cording to her husband, who had 
been at the airport to. meet her. 



atra in Capetown. After that house 
closed, Vorster managed sevetgl film 
theatres and was in charge oi'~{lie" 
Protea, in Paarl, when he died. 
Wife survives. 



. FREDERICK C. SCHANBERGER 

Fredei-ick C. Schanberger; 75, the- 
atrical manaser, died Nov. 27 in 
Baltimore. He had been a.ssociated 
for many years with the ther.'vir;al 
and philanthropic enterpri.-ses. oJ!. the 
late James Lji "Keman who built- <he 



CHARLES WHITTLE 

Charles Whittle, 73, former song 
writer and music hall performer, 
died Nov. 27 at his home in Brad- 
ford, England. While starring at the 
London Pavilion and the-Tivoli, Ox- 
ford, 20-odd years ago, he wrote 
"Put Me Among the Girls," "Fall In 
and Follow Me" and "Let's All Go 
Down to the Strand," which had 
wide popularity.: ' 

He retired' IT years ago. 



BRUCE LEIGH GOLDIE 

Bruce Leigh Goldie, 32, until re- 
cently continuity editor of CKCK, 
Regina, Sask., died in that place 
Nov. 21. He resigned Nov. 1 because 
Of ill health. 

Wife 8urviv«s. 



WILLIAM. E. LAWRENCE 

, William E. .("Babe") Lawrence, 51^ 
film and stage actor,. died Nov. 28 in 
Hollywood. He^-wenj; to, the Coast. in 
1914 for "Birth Ot « Nation" --iSnd 
played juve leads uAtil' the First 
World War. 

He . returned to the Broadway 
stage in 1920, but returned to pic- 
tures in 1930. ' 



ERNEST ADAMS 

Ernest Adams, 62, screen actor, 
died Nov. 26 in Hollywood after 9 
long illness. Before entering pic- 
tures, he appeared in numerous 
musicals. ' • 



HENRY S. BERTINI^TTE, JR. 

Henry S. Bertinette, Jr., 21, an-"*, 
nouncer at WBIB, FM station in 
New Havcai, died Nov. 25 in that 
city. 



KIRK E. WICKS 

Kirk E. Wiok.s, 50, who as Eddie 
Powell was a nightclub pianist and 
singer, died Nov. 28 in Chicago. 



ViMeen 78, of Johnny Broderick, 
of the vaude comedy team of Arren 
& Broderick, died suddenly last 
week in Sharon, Pa. Wife and an- 
other son also sur\dve, : 



William J. Passmore, 62, Owner 
and operator of the Royal theatre. 
Moose Jaw, Sask., from 1930 until 
1945, died Nov. 18 in Victoria, B. C. 



Mother of Benjamin H. Segal, 
managing director of the Shubert 
theatre. New Haven^ died Nov. IS 
in that city. 



Son, 24, of Gene Dyer, owner of 
station WAIT, Chi., was killed, Nov. 
30 in an auto crash hear Mundeleini 
111. 



" BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs, Jim Muzzy, sOBj Can- 
ton, O., Nov. 17. Father; is WHBC, 
Canton, sportscaster. . 

Mr. and Mrs, Abe Sadofi, son, 
Sioux- City, la.. Nov, 26, Father is 
theatre owner theres 

Mr. and Mrs. James Frangooles, 
sQn, Albany, last we$k. Father is a 
Paramount Pictures booker there: 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank DeRosa, son, 
Chicago, Nov. 23. Father is «ales 
traffic manager of WMAQ. . 

Mr. and Mrs. Roberr Carman, son, 
Chicago, Nov. 21, Father is. assistant 
manager of NBC' Central Division 
continuity department. 

Mr. and Mrs, Bob Holt, daughter, 
Hollywood, Nov. 24, Father is a 
film flack. 

Mr. and Mrs. Elwood C. Hoffman, 
son. New York, Nov, 26, Father is 
an editor of CBS' program writing 
division; mother is Toni Darnay, 
radio actress, 

Mr. and Mrs. Howard B^ird, 
daughter, . Pittsburgh, Nov. 30. 
Mother's Patti Jean Baldridge, for- 
mer band vocalist. 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mubl, son, 
Hollywood, Nov. 24. Father, is gen- 
eral manager . of Universal-Inter- 
national studio. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abe Sadoff, son, 
Sioux City, Nov. 26, Father is owner 
of the Fourth Street theatre in that 
city, ■ ■,■ ■ 

Mr, and Mrs. W. Ray Wilson, son, 
Hollywood, Nov. 26. Father is a ra- 
dio and film writer; mother is the 
former Marion- Jones, dancer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Milt HblTman, .son, 
Mt. Kisco, N. Y., Dec, 1. Father 
is with Paramount's h.o. adv. dept. 

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Brennan, 
son, Germantowo» Pa., Dec. 1. 
Father is a Warner The,atres' exec 
;there. 



M. M. VORSTER 

M. M, Vorster, theatre manager 
for many years -for African Theatres, 
Capetown, South Africa, collapsed 
and died Oct.. II in Paarl, near 
Capetown. He. was at one time man- 
ager of the ol'Cl Tiv'oli vaudeville the- 



Disken on Linb 



Shaw's H700 Royalty 



Continued from ^agc 



Continued from p-ige I 

found its way on wax," one music 
publisher concedes, ''because neither 
we nor the record people want to 
get caught short." 
, Quite a few songsmlths, surpris- 
ingly, are going into private record- 
ing business. Utilizing some passable 
vocalist, and with only a piano or 
perhaps an inexpensive rhythmic 
trio for musical acompaniment, the 
private recording studios have been 
doing a rushing business on new 
and unexploited songs. The idea is 
to have a master available if, as and 
when a shortage is created, and 
perhaps one of these songs (still un- 
published) may cntch on some time 
in '48, Theory is that these masters 
are a cushion for future disk press- 
ings, 'in that post- Jaw. 1. period, 
wii'en' fresh rocoi'dings'ire tabU; 



Were grossing around $26,000 a Week 
in the Theatre, Inc, revival of 
"Pygmalion," Miss Cornell revived 
"Candida" again for 24 performances 
in New York and 22 on the road, in 
repertory with "Antigone," No fig- 
ures are available for the engage- 
ment, but even Uyr the interval the 
two Shaw plays were running simul- 
taneuously, it's doubtful if their 
combined gross equalled the $31,500 
figure Evans- iS' drawing. 

The reason the Evans revival is 
gettiilig highec grosses than the Law- 
rence-TMassey "Pygmalion" or the 
1936 edition of Miss. Cornell's "St. 
Joan," which <irew >lmost $23,000 a 
we^k; Is that the current' production 
has a $4.80 top, whereas the scale 
used to go no higher than $3.60. But 
the most important factor, from the 
standpoint, of Shaw's royalties, is 
that the Evans production appears 
likely to play through the season 
and, according to Evans' policy in 
the past, put in a solid season on. the 
road during f948-49. The jproduc- 
tion moves Feb. 16 from the Alvih to 
the Hudson, N. Y. 

A striking angle of the current 
"Man" revival is not only that, for 
the first time in his career as an ae-^ 
tor-manager, Evans is paying, royal- 
ties at all; but that he's- payin'g. the 
highest rate in show business. 
Whereas most other playwrights get 
a sliding scale of <7%% on the first 
$5,000, 10% on the next $5,000 
and 12»,4% on all over $10,000), 
Shaw has always insisted upon a 
fiat 15%. So Evans, who in the past 
has .produced the works of' Shake- 
speare alone (which is, of course, 
royalty-free)', has this time picked 
out the 'author who's' the toughest 
businessman of' tttem all. 

Some of the notable Shaw pro- 
ductions in the U, S. in the past have 
been the following: 

"Heartbreak House," by the Thea- 
tre GiiUd, 1920-21 (for .12S per- 
formances-). 

"Back to, Methuselah" (consisting 
of five separate plays), by the Guild, 
1921-22 (seven weeks). 

"Devil's- Disciple," Guild, 1922-23 
(about 10 weeks). 

"St. Joan," Guild, 1923-24 (grossing 
as high, as $10,000 a week, for over 
200 performances). 

"Candida," Actor's Theatre, with 
Katharine Cornell, 1924-25 (at first 
olfered at special matinees, later ex- 
tended for a regular run, and 
grosses 'about $14,000 for some 
weeks, playing a total of 143 per- 
formances). ; . . 

"Caesax " and Cleopatra," Guild, 
192.4-29 (48 perfonnances). 

"Arms and the Man,'* Guild. 
1924-25 (grossed as high as $15,000 
a weekj ran 180 performances). . 

"Androcles and the Lion" and 
"Man of Destiny" Wouble bill). 
Guild, 1925-26 (68 performances). 

"Pygmalion," Guild, 1926-27 (143 
performances). 

"Doctor's Dilemma," Guild, 1927-28 
.(11'5 performances). * 

"Major Barbara," Guild, 1928-29 
(84 performances). .. 

"Apple Cart," Guild, 1929-30 (88 
performances^). . ,. ' 

"Getting Married,", Guild, 1930-31 
(48 performances). 

"Too True to Be Good," Guild, 
1931-32 (57 performances). 

"Candida," Cornell, 1933-34 (two 
performances a week, in repertory, 
for 40 weeks). 

"Simpleton of th* Unexpected 
Isles," GuUd, 1934-35 (40 perform- 
ances). 

"St. Joan," V Cornell, 1935-36 
(grossing nearly $23,000 for some 
weeks; ran 89 performances in New 
York and 79 on tour). 

"Candida,"' Cornell, 1936-37 (in 
repertory, with "Wingless Victory," 
played 50 performances in New 
York and about 24 on tour. Reper- 
tory grossed as high as $18',(KK) in 
N, Y,), 

"Heartbreak House," Mercury 
Theatre (Orson Welles), 1937-38, 
(several weeks' run). 

"Candida," on the Coast, with 
Ann Harding, 1938-39. 

"Candida," in Chicago, with Cor- 
nelia Otis Skinner, 1938-39. 

"Doctor's Dilemma," Cornell, 
1940-'41 (grossed about $19,000 for 
some weeks, ran 121 performances 
in New York, plus five weeks 
tour). 

"Candida," Cornell, with Burgess, 
Meredith, Raymond Massey, Dudley 
Digges; 1941-42 (for War Relief 
benefit, grossed $122,247 in 27 per 
formances in New York and eight in 
Washington). 

"Pygmalion," Theatre, Inc. (Ger. 
trude Lawrence-Raymond Massey), 
1945-46" (grossed , as. l^igh - as $26,000f 
for 'iome' wefe'kS,' r$iH''l?7d'"'p6rfoml-;' 



ances in New York, plus a season 
tour). ' 

"Candida," Cornell, 1945-46 Cm 
repertory with "Antigone," played ■ 
24 performances in -New 'York, plus 
22 on tour). . 

The Guild . has scheduled a pro- 
duction of "You N£<'er Can Tell" 
for later this season, 

In addition to the above, there 
have been innumerable productions 
of -Shaw plays for special perform- 
ances, by .repertory and stock 
groups, etc. 



State Quits Vautfe 

SSS Continued from page 1 jss 



m which case vaudeville would 
not have been discontinued. 

The agencies go further .in declar- 
ing that the dropping of the State 
vaudeville will undoubtedly mean 
that the remainder of the stageshow 
houses will be able to get perform- 
ers at "reasonable" fees. Many, they 
say, remember after the Palace shut- 
tered, most acts refused no reason- 
able offer, and perhaps, the State 
closing will .mean a return of 
"sanity" in ih6 matter of salaries. 

The- State -will have a policy of 
single features on first runs, and 
double features when subsequent 
run films are shown. Initial bill will 
be "Cass Timberlane" and a"Blon- 
die" mm. 

With the vaude. exit frbrri the 
State,- Loew's will have only two 
stageshow houses, the Capitol, N, Y, 
and the Capitol, Washington. 

There still Temains the possibility 
that the cliatoge may not be final. 
There's some feeling throughout the ' 
Loew organization that the -stage- 
show policy will return if gro.'sses 
are considerably lower., Under the 
stageshow policy the house averaged 
around $28,000, with the 'nU-time 
high mark being set at $5S,00Q when 
Eddie Cantor appeared there in 
1939. If the -average grosss is con- < 
siderably lower than $28,000 minus 
stageshow costs, then Loew exe'cs 
may put back the vaude. 

However, that remains to be seen 
after the' Dec.' 18 bill topped by 
Molly Piconv Jack Carter and Dave 
Apollon ends' an important chapter 
in the history of vaudeville. 



Hiflbilly Acts Hypo Par 
Pard's Carolina Houses 

Charlotte, N. C, Dec. 2, 
Wilby-Kinccy circuit. Paramount- 
partnered chain straddling the Caro- 
h'nas, has turned to vaudeville to 
bolster slipping picture grosses, ^ub-? 
stantial number of its theatres are 
now booking lyllbilly five-act show« 
for one-a-week appearances. Ntew 
policy, in the main, has been adopt- 
ed by houses in towns varying from 
10,000 to 35,000 in population. 

The shows are traveling as units 
from town to town to -fill in along 
with a single picture. Theatres for- 
merly dished Up dualers seven dayo 
a week. Understood that H. F, Kin- 
cey ordered the changeover figuring 
the public is ripe for talent drawn ^ 
from the local hills. 



. MARRIAGES 

Sylvia Berger to Albert Redman, 
New York, Nov, 29. Bride is a mem- 
ber of th^ CBS program writing 
division. 

Rosemary Bruns to R'ichard W. 
Leibert, Malverne, L. I._, Nov. 29. 
He's organist at Radio City Music 
Hall, N. Y., and on various radio-, 
programs. 

Maryline White to Byron Collins, 
Riverdale, N, Y., Nov. 29.. He's a 
commercial writer at Young & Ru- 
bicam. ■ 

Toni Reynolds to Fr«d Wilcox, 
Beverly Hills, Nov. 30. He's a direc- 
tor at-Metro. 

Mary L. Byrne- to Henry Clark, 
Canton, O., Nov. 27. He's an engi- 
neer at WHBC, Canton. 

Mary Hull to Andrew TViswell, 
New York, Oct, 24. He's recording 
director of Muzak: 

Ruth Ro.se to Claude Kirchncr, 
Chicago, Nov. 29. He's disk jockey 
and announcer on "Ladies Be 
Seated" radio show. 

Mildred TilsOn tp Bruce. William- 
son, Maryborough, Ireland, Nov. 19. 
He's film cMtic of The Irish Times. 
' Jayne McGahey' to Russell Bun'' 
desen, Chicago, Nov, 22. Bride is 
member of the Dinning Sisters,, 
singing trio. 

Lynne^Bowraan to Lionel Shelly, 
Las Vegas, Dec. 2. He's a western 
actor; she's; 'in tbci line! at Sari Car- 

Wi's;4h-.rtbnfwt)ba.'* ' • 





My Beauty Facials bring 
new LoveliiJess* 





Here's a proved complexion care! In recent 
Lux Toilet Soap tests by Skin specialists, 
actually 3 out t>f 4 complexions, became 
lovelier in a short time! \ " 

"It'sr €lmlling the way Lux So^p care ; 
leaves skitt softer, smoother," says chdmt* 
ing Sylvia Sidney, *'I work the fragrant 
lather well into my skin. As I rinse and then 
pat with a soft towel to dry, skin takes on 
fresh new beauty!" • " 

Don't let neglect cheat you of romance. 
This beauty care ^Ivia Sidney recommends 
will njs&e yoti lovelier tonight ! 



SYLVIA SIDNEY 

star of Eagla Lion's 

w Showing Locaily 







"Vm glad I took 
Syltria Sidney'! , 
tip! Lux Soap' 
6elS^uty care is ► 
quicfc ^nd easy but 



(W H i D i u i r) !. 




these gentle f^tciahT' , 
really malce skiti 
lovelier, H6liyw61?d'S 
beauty care, is nljfW 
for delicate i»4lft?' 



9 out of 10 Screen Stars use Uix Toilet Spap! 



U«im ... Siriw MM ... Cim MM 




RADIO 



MUSIC 






PubUsbad. Wwkhr at IM Walt Mtb Stceat, New Toric 1*, N. T., by Variety, Inc. Anilual (ttbiorlptionV {10, S1UI« DtklMUL |(. C«|U«. 
Bnleraa » •Mini4>-clua uatte« Cecember 22. 1906. M IH« Foat Qitica at Nevr Tbrk, N. IT., undfc th* SMV^^ t. ' lUt 

COrntiaHT, 1947, BX VARI1;TS', inc. AM, HIGHTS RE^KRVJBD. J' 




tot. 169 No. 1 


NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER id; 1947 ^ 

'"'IJ.- ■.. :', . II ' .uix'i' - ..I'll " . .v-i 'J.". .. ..i.i . li Jim II' .."'>') .1 1 .-II -1. ..- 







OR MASS 




U. S. Emlni^o Rdhaiies Brit 
hki/, WWt (teTheatresh-Jarratt 



No BMtiiiti theatre wUI cloae for<( 
lack of product, whether or not an/ 

'aaaitionaj V. S. films are received 
in En'glatvd. That ,was the opinion 
expressed in New York Monday (8) 
by Sir Arthur Jatratt, for more than 

'25 years one ■ of pagland's top ek^; 
Wbitjgfl oKeos and iioyir managing, 
ditector of Sir Alexander Kordi*'* 
diif^butins- iiirit, Rritish Lion,' 
Ja¥t;att declared that every Brftistfi 

. theatre already: Ijas snflleieht l>ooll;jj 
Migs to carry it throiugh'hei* atitjUf,* 

■And after that, they can carry tfn 
indeftaitely— and not unprofltably-ri 

•with reislsu^ahd British-made fllnis, 
ti» said. Within two years, it t^e 
tax ^tuation hasn't' resolved itself, 
the Vet S^tish showman added, do- 
mestic producers will be able to tufn 

•.out enough product to flU 50% o£ 
available playing time. He intimated 

. that talk by exWbs of closing down 

. unless they get American product 

. was just a threat. 

Sir Arthur arrived in New York 
Monday, accompanied by Hugh 

■. Quennell, chairman of the board o£ 
British Lion. Their entire stay will 
be spent in New York, Jarratt leaves 

' for home by ship Dec. 26 and Quen- 
nell planes out Dec. 20. 
Jarratt revealed tliat a significant 
(Continued on page 20) 



Miss Hush-Hush . 

Washington, Dec' 9. 

The FBI has issued an urgent 
call for any Pacific war veterans 
who think they oari identify- the 
voice of "Tokyo ^ose." , 

The bureau wants to pin a 
tfeason <?haj;|.e ph heir, )>ut needs 
supporting' evidence' frorii her 
; wartime fans, . Artj^ vets who 
think they can definitely iden- 
tify her radio voice were urged 
to contact the FBI office nearest 
their homes. 



M. Cole, U Exhib, /I 
Vuteoit^etting Pix 

- ■ Milwaukee, Dec. 9. 
Col. H. A. Cole looks with scorn 
upon the possibility ot television be- 
coming a competitor to the picture- 
hou^e business. The colonel thinks 
that tele will affleet boxofflce grosses 
in a sporadic way; that is, wl^en 
there Is a major special event being 
broadcast. But he doesn't see the 
new medium, even with the novelty 
factor, causing* any dent in theatre 
attwidanee for any sustained period. 
Clole, one of the country's oldest 
C06htinued on page 71) 



J^toBeatlde 
AFOimd Country 

RKO pulled a steal on the tele- 
vision industry this week by rush- 
ing its pictures o£ the Joe Louis- 
Jersey Joe Walcott Hght out to thea- 
tres throughout the country within 
36 hours after the final bell sounded. 
Tele scooped the films, of course, in 
New Yorki Philadelphia, Schenec- 
tady and Washington, where the 
fight was transmitted live from 
Madi-son Square Garden Friday (5) 
night. In all other cities, however, 
no films of the fight were televised 
(Continued on page 63) 




mm mm shop 

TILtMYrDUULZELL 



EN IP 

BIG mnu 



By ARTHIIB BRONSON 

Broadway showmen ,s(re disturbed 
by what they, feel is a growing 
lethargy by the public, towards tbo i 
legitimate theatre, especially on tfta 
road, and they proposes to do some- 
thing about it. 

An ambitious, long-range plan to 
sell the legitimate theatre as an in- 
stitution, on- a year 'round, national 
basis, has' l?eei| approved by the 
bct^, ot governors of the League of 
N - Theatres, organization- of 
Broadway legit manage^^ ^f vi^iH be 
submitted shortly at a s'fiecial meet- 
ing, of the League membership. 

The idea of selling the theatre as 
a whole, instead o£ pluggmg indi- 
vidual productions, for the purpose 
of arousing interest in the living 
drama and to stimulate .theatre at-- 
tendance everywhere, involves fin 
industry-wide job. The commercial 
theatre itself proposes to do it. 

Campaign is to have . the overall 
breadth, on a national scale, of simi- 
lar drives in the past ten plug films 
("Movies Are Your Best Entertain- 
ment"); bread ("Eat More ^read"), 
or such similar moves, as the Cwceht 
institutional campaigns - of - the 
railroads and electrie, lighfe'^ ' and 
power companies in hatiooal maga- 
zines. ■, ; 

Although details are still unset- 
tled, pending their discussion . and 
approval by League mtetnbers, sev- 
(Continued on page 71) 



Four MmM To Pick Up $a.W(IJW ; 
Tab to Cov^ 2 PhiHy Conventions 



Truman Takes Orchestra 
Seats far 'Sweethearts' 

Washington, Dec. 9. '' 
Bobby Clark opened in a two- 
week engagement of "Sweethearts" 
la.it night (Monday) at the National 
theatre before an audience filled 
with political dignitaries, including 
President Truman, Gen. Dwight 
Eisenhoweif and Cabinet members. 
Show looks sure tor solid business 
for the length of the run. 
Breaking all precedents. President 
„, , . , „ „ 1 Truman and his party of eight sat 
Washmgton, Dec. 9. orchestra Instead of boxes, all 

Stage, radio and screen actors are 1 ^^^^ occupied by Secret 

assured ot union shop at least until ^^^.^-^^^ ^gn. The President entered 
July 1, even if the courts decide the ^j^^^. ^^^^ j^^^^^ y^^^ darkened and 
Taft-Hartley Act applies to them ^^^^ overture had begun, in order to 
That opinion was voiced by Paul i ^^^^g^ sensation. The curtain was 
Dullzell, prexy ot the Associated 1 ^^j^ , minutes until he was 
Actors & Artistes of America (AFL) jg^jg^ 

here last Friday (5). Dullzell was in ; gj^^.' directly behind the Presi- 
town for the AFL parley ot 105 union ^p^j ^^^^ ^o^s back were CJen. 
chiefs to establish Labor's Educa- . Eisenhower and his party. The Presi- 



WB TO PAY OFF COOPBR 
FOR 10 PIX OYER 18 YRS. 

Holly wo(>5,: Dec. 9. 
Gary Cooper's new .deal with, 
Warner Bros., which was signed 

at the end ot last week, provides 
that the payments for the 10 piX 
he will make for thgi studio shall 
be spread out over an 18-year period. 
Contract states that WB may use the 
star m no more than one film a year, 
but, if it chooses, may take as long 
as 18 years to u^ up the 10-pic 
commitment. 

It's presumed that the studio will 
hardly take advantage of the latter 
clause, since it would mean the 
final film would be lensing with 
Cooper at the age of 64. He's now 
46. In any event, the spread-out 
salary payments not only ease his 
tax problem, but practically pror 
vide him with an old-age pension. 

Pact Is non-excjusive and, for the 
next tew year.s, at least, any other 
deals will be only for single pictures. 
It was negotiated for Cooper by his 
attorneys, Prinzmetal & Grant. 



Xmas Shopping, 

. As to that small item of 
ChTvstmas shopping: 

When a man goes; into a store 
he knows ' what -he wants')^ he 
gets it, and ,g6ls out.' 

A^ wqman goes' "irita a store 
to iRnd' out what ^he' wants. 




Rari| Olympic 
nites 

Aiiglo-U. S* Scrap 

A-w^rding of exclusive right? .to J 
Arthur Rank, to film the 1*48 Olym-, 
pic games in England and the con- 
sequent elbojving of American news-- 
reel companie.^, has started something 
in thes way of an international fra- 
cas. The five reels will meet this 
week, to. map joint ,action against 
hahdiQg ' ot. a blanket ~ franchise 
to Blritain's ice ..filmmaker whic^ 
woulij .mean, they'd have to buy 
the privilege of Aiming events 
from him. s They claim that the 
games are news events which can't 
be shbject \t6 fifanchise restrictions, 

Yank feel toppers sizzled for. real 
after a\prfeljtrtln,ary protest by the 
reels 'to Avety Br.uhda'gef .chair- 
man of the U.- S..DIyiiiipid'"'<^mmit-. 
(Continued on *a^«s,"2) 



It's . Wre-, ^an 'six monthsi until 
the %|M)bUctini find. Democrats ho)d 
their jiationta>Cottv6nti«»n». -^fki the 
radio and televisioDi'iitfere^lis 
are tjn hettied huddles^and tiiHous 
long-distaqee phone coijsujlt^ttoti in 
what promises to shape iqto a. four* ' 
Star scrap for listener , ahd iewer 
attention. . -■ , • , 

Best estimates, at this early date, 
are that' the coverage of the t^^,a 
conventions by the four major net-: 
works will cost them, including com- . 
mercial projgram cancellations, in the . 
vicinity- iA- $9,O00;OOO,- That's fw hoth 
tele and radiOt -. 

Radio caverage ■ wlU be th^ most 
extensive iii peatietirae history, with 
virtually -'every tppflight 'gabber; 
slated for air stints trom the Phila- . 
delphia conclaves. Tele, of" course, 
will write hiiitory. Every video Sta- 
tion in the country undoubtedly will ; 
carty^ either live. pickupiS -from the 
scene?' or- specially fllcned tiewsreeljs. 

A major scrai> ^aWady ,is in thfi 
itaaking for newsreel.'-'tele' and tejei • 
newsreel accommodations in the 
convention hall. 'Where, four yfeara 
agd and before, dnly newsreel artd, 
newspaper photographers had to b^ 
accommodated, televi.sian and > tel». 
newsreelers now also ate in" tile 
(Continued on page 32) 

Same Fancy $35 Top On . 
New Year's Ere Th<N^ 
; Bu Ispected to Be Oiff 

/^he kew .Year's Eve charges in 



<D 1. V ' 'I* I • J _,-.-^N^w ' York niteries will- be on par 
iJeSl Years Mpiainea - mhla^t year, despite the fact that 
' s , • . HI 'busine'ss isn't expected to hold to 

As Warmon&er bv Keds/ previons levei. . There have 

no.HWiHVU^u uj »»vu« ^^g^ ^^^^ reductions in sfeveral 



tional and Political League 

The union's present contracts carry 
the union shop prolnsion running to 
*tly 1, and tfo Taft-Hartley ban on 
soeh comaitlOBS does not affect con- 
■ 'tracts already in force. 

"Thereafter, the entertainers may 
a- legal out under the Taft-Hart 



dent and his possible opponent in the 
1948 elections didn't exchange any 

greetings or nods. 



WALCOTT'S 5-TO-l PAYOFF 

When, a couple ot weeks back, 

.Tersey Joe Walcott went on "We, 

Fey Actr"since some attorneys take | the People," he collected $200 for the 
the position that legit stage actors guest shot. 

have never been considered to be in i Last (Tues.) night, Walcott re- 
iaterstate commerce and so subject prised the guest shot. This time he 
fev,Federal labor legislation. ' poclceted $1,000. 



Tops of the Tops 

Retail Disk Seller 
"Ballerina" 
Retail Sheet Music Seller 
"Near You" 
"Most BeftUested" Disk 

"PaUerina" 
Seller on Voin Machines 
"palierina" 
BMtbh Sbkm Seller 
"NOW Is the H(our" 



being explained to the Russians as a 
warmongering.' picture. A Soviet 
"home service'^TSwradcaijt of Radio 
Moscow, monitored by the U. S., 
broke the news last week, in a pro- 
gram which explained that Holly- 
wood is whooping up anti-Soviet 
(Continued on page 



... , i-.'beei 

Washington, Dec. ,9. / cages, but gi^nerally tariffs iiire 
"Be.st Years of Our Lives" is now same as last year.' • ' ■ 

:\'--,To'Pi-;-!BaIfe:(Jjai^feS--l0r,';^^ 

'Versailles, ■ 'sj?h(5rf!'.?i|_SI,;iex^^^ 
tax, will be the t^p fQr" n cot^Ie. 

The highei*'' churj^es^ wi^l.>- prfev^iil 
in ' the hotel rooms. ' Maximunx -of 

$26 ^\«Fnf^'t>revaU;:.it'^ 




A RECORD ALRUM of 

, by 

HOrR OF < HARM 

All OM^OrchMtra tiiHl Ch*lr 
und«t the du^ecti'on of PMIItSiniTALNY 



. CHARM RECORDS. Inc. 

r, 0< li9t>IO..|ldd|l<( City StMiM 
Miwr Y«rh If, N. Y. 



{^.Wedncsdnf, I>M«mb«ir 10, 1-947 



liESCOSbtsSOOGYearlyfor 

Raib, Press to Finndier Aims 



Mexico City, Dec. 9. 
UNESCO conference which closed 
here last week resulted in a decision 
to appropriate $500,000 yearly for 
the use of films,! radio and press. 
Actually, money allotted for 1948, 
the first year of tnU- operations of 
the Coininittee on (jS^nmuijiications 
Media/ "ft $360,000, ia be ' divided 
•mong .film, radio and press' projects. 

Cash is toibe spent 'tp further the 
aims ol the United, NaititBjs and to 
promote international goodwill. Ap- 
proximately $120,000 will he spent 
, on films dirsetly or otherwise with 
' 'She ptffpote oC stimulating pioduc- 
lion 'of documentaries and their dis- 
tribution. 
Committee, headed by Sir Henry 
■ . French, has decided in particular to 
.Seoiipote filmmaking which would 
" plajf up "points of excellence" in 
various countries. In othrar words, 
, ' Committee will establish- a stafC to 
•ugSgest-fdeas to studio execs in VN 
'.' member coittitries that lend them- 
jKves ■ to production. It's' figured 
' „ jinotiey spent in stimulating filmmak- 
r" iat by others will go s lot further 
, . it^n it Uip^CO its^ went into the 
. operation,. .' 

Aa an tUostnition, committee' will 
propose that tJ, S^film ln0ust.rii^ make 
a film depicting ma(^ti(9 Aituro.Tos- 
, canitti as a gre^t man .'and , tech- 
niaii. Britain may be .asfced to -'fil'm 
the growth of its b^Uet theatre and 
^Russia 0% ita .Moscow Art Theatre. 



LYTELL INDUCTED AT 
JUiBAE.IiMBS€AMBOL 

Bert tytell was inducted as Shep- 
, herd Sunday night (7) at the annual 
. Gambols of the Xjambs in New York,% 
.•mid 'festivities that included a din" 
jier and entertainment attended by 
some ,of the top names in show \tix. 
X>aU inctaided .such top .bra^ a$ Fai4 
liteI<Tuitt, ' British Ambassador to 
tl. . S. liord Inverchapel^ Admiral 
Kelly and former NeiK Jersey Qev. 
, BaroId£L.Ho£tinan. . ' 
. Also on. the. dais 'were ex-Shep- 
herds Fred 'Vfairing, Raymond Peck, 
William GaxtoQ and R^ H. Burnslde. 
F(«ck, Ijbe outgping Shepherd, pre- 
i^#«d^/$^°iA<i«ictiiHt.. €(riaies tirtsre 
W^At^r Gtetoa'tUDKllIoifmanl ' 

•^Xhi>se ' who' participated in the 
Aow following the dinner either as 
'Performers or sciipters of the ma- 
terial, or both, were Fred HiUebranid, 

■ Senator Ford, Harry Horshfield, Joe 

»I«Urie, Jr., George Slu^Sim, Happy 
S'elton, Clyde North, Lon Ctark, Joe 
Ciurtin, Walter Greaza, Les Tre- 
mayne, Leu Doyle, King Calder, 
Jimmy Little, 'Wilbur Evans, Richard 
•■, Taber, Johnny Kane, Jack Pearl, 
> . ChU Hall, John Bavold, Leo Edward, 
'° John Bratton, Ddnald Brian, Har- 

■ land Dixon, Dan Healy, Irving 
' I'isher. Smith and Dale, Eddie Miller, 

Hoy Atwell, Jack Cherry, Don Lor- 
ing Rodgers, Jack Blair, Eddie Foy, 
Jr_ ^d George M. Cohan, Jr., Harry 
Miller, Don Randolph, Jack Whiting, 
John Hundley, Don Tompkins, Wil- 
liarh B. Mack, -Leon Janney, Frank 
Fay, Adam CarroU and the orch un,- 
der John McManus' direction. ■ 

X^ep Solomon handled the tickets, 
Which sold out two days after they 
; - ' were put on .sale- 

Swords at 50 faces 
For Sntry and Foe 

Paiis^ Dec. 2. 
Though unlikely to be fought, a. 
' duel between Sacha Guitry and 
Henri Jeanson, screen writer and 
critic, his, been in the talking stage, 
especially by the former, as f esult 
of their controversy in Qir press. 
Guitry went so far as to send 
seconds to Jeanson is ask for sat- 
' isfaction. 

, Jeanson has slammed Guitry in 
articles lately, while in his memoirs, 
"Quatre Annees' d'Occupation," 
Guitry has shown Jeanson in a very 
nnfiivorable light. 

. Ifot* a long time Jeanson -was the 
life of the satirical paper, Canard 
Bnchaine. 'He is also prexy of the 
scenarists group. As such he was 
sued by Roger Richebe recently 
because tiichefoe had been sus- 
pended at the scenarist's request for 



It'$ Different Now 

A Broadway pgent anC his 
client, who decided to pr<b'dtice 
» play together, sat down lor 4 
confab. After the partnership.^ 
was (onAed ,an$<#^, D«{«a aI|t V 
sfened, the agent 'lame5''to hiJt;., 
ey^ctient and .said: "Son, now, '■ 
that you're my jjartofer, for the 
sake of the business^tel me givi ' 
you a little advfee.' For God's 
sake, don't let anybody do to you 
what I've been doing to you for 
the past five years." • 

Joey .Adams 



COKEBILUN^Y BACK 
LIUIPUTS' CUB PARTIES 

By. PEGGT LeBOUTIULIER 

A piciuant comn^entary on life in 
America (top drawer) is the birth of 
Cub Parties and its budding impact 
on child llfei : 

Cub Parties plan to be the Elsa 
Maxwell of the lilliputs. The Cubs 
are three, aU in their early twenties, 
all tres photogenique. Two are So- 
cial Register heiresses, Leila D. B; 
Hadley and Susanna A. Holt. One, 
Julia Smith, ii -'Vassar scholarship 
and associate - editor of : a national 
monthly. 

From their blue-stocking office in 
New- Trork's- East 70'« and 'their 
Hhin-telephone, they deliver : (and 
manage) the basic necessities 'for 
children's parties to any desperate 
mother or cbild-lovijig commercia] 
outfit. * . 

Simple entertainmeni includes: a 
tooti^ess lion, ..a- talking dj!>g, ehim- 
paifzees, ^ther. ri^pe^olimber!!,' and of 
course, a cub on his bind legs. 
Decorations: helium balloons, people 
dressed as animals, Kipling blow-ups 
in papi^^mache. Favors of the 
more conservative variety: puppies, 
"live" Ja<*; Harner pies', Madame 
Eva cakes, tcit^i^p Jo^- Ttaqs- 
portaiion to and, tto Vfjnu victoria 
and sleigh, ■ ■• ^ 

Cub partitit' announcement, gilt- 
engcaved iyssji. like a deh ball invi- 
tation, was sent to advertising agen- 
cies, film publicists, big biz prexys, 
columnists, tt brought tangible in- 
quiries front' toy; bBbblegom, 'soap 
and perfume manufacturers. Plus 
th«,' great god coke. Coca-Cola 
won. . For the premiere, Coke's 
Steve Hannegan.is landing his spe- 
cialized helping hand and Sherman 
(Stork Club) Billingsley is offering 
his Cub Room -and knowledge of 
edibles. American History has 
donated Thanksgiving. 

And last, and perhaps least, the 
United Nations are supp^ring the 
purpose: children. Children of 55 
countries who will now be able to 
enjoy, in capsule form, the delights 
of two great institutions: the Stork 
Club, local, and Coca-Cola, interna- 
tional. ■ 



Weddiii^ Pic Is Bombed 

Dublin, Dec. 9. 

Carlton cinema, 2,O0O-.'3eater indie 
house in O'Connell street, city's main 
thoroughfare, was damaged by a 
letterbox bomb, in the early hours 
last Thursday* (4) morning. Explo- 
sive was pui^hed throflgh letter-slot 
in street shutters fronting the build- 
iiig, vvhifch was empty at the time. 
Glass was shattered in the vestibule 
but otherwise damage was slight 
Hou.se opened as usual 

Program, was ,a double feature, 
"Why Girls Leave Home" and 
"Blacltie and the Law," plus the 
Pathe two-reeler of Princess Eliza- 
beth's wedding. Bomb planting may 
have been a protest against the last- 
named although ]5our other houses in 
the immediate neighborhood have 
been showing films of the Royal 
Wedding without incident 



Sues Oil Dolly Sis Story 

Chicago, Dec. 9. 
Klari Dolly,, daughter of the late 
Jenny Dolly, one of famed Dolly 
Si.sters, sued her fo-ster father Btr- 

a 1 1 eg e d cVlaWtVon '"hebe *^'«««'6« Chi 

sible for it, after Richebe held an [ ^e^s '(e/ M?nz '/w^^^^^ 
official picture administration job in .'^ed bv vSv 1 v^^.rn^^ 
the Petain regime. Bichebe' is a ra K ltJ-t The'S Sifters' 




286th 'Wti^l 

KEN MURRAY'S 

"BLACKOUTS OF 1947" 
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. 

- WattU for KKif MURllAY'S new 
feature length film production 
"BILL AND COO" 

Released through HojnibHc Picture.s 



BERLE 'ROASTMASTERS' 
SBWDIGFimSDfATRA 

Non - BoUywQodians have been 
hearjftg'fbr weeks about the wow 
Friars -Club -dinner to. Bob Hope 
which George. Jessel toastmastered 
on the Coast. And while Milton 
Berle's "roastmastering" 'of Frank 
Sinatra at a Friars Club luncheon 
in New York last Friday t5) was 
not in the. nature of an Intersee- 
tional" challenge, many agreed -that 
Jessel's performance on the celery 
circuit couldn't have been more bril- 
liant. For Berle was m peak per- 
formance. Being a stag affair,, the 
language was natur^illy more lurid 
but none could dispute the humor, 

Jessel was also on the. rostrum^ 
as Abbott^ of the Hollywood Friars, 
and Berle" .as Abbot of the New 
York Friars gave him full kudos. 
Just as genuine was the turnout to 
honor Sinatra. 

The fun ran high and the intra- 
Broadway gags were many. Some- 
body wanted to know why Mike 
Todd was at the head table and Lou 
'Walters wasn't— "Walters lost just 
as much ' at ginrnmmy as Todd." 
Songsmith Danny Shapiro vocalized 
a "Gin Rummy Blues" dedicated to 
lall Friars; on both coasts. Solly 
Violinsky bragged he had laid off 
under four presidents ("and one of 
them, you know, hdid four term^) 
observed, ho.wever', that eompayed to 
me Al Lackey is a slave." 

Jes-sel, in saluting the venerable 
Max Hart, recalled when the latter 
was the kingpin agent of America 
and handled all' the blackface co- 
medians (Jolson, Cantor, etc.). Jes* 
sel added he once admonished Hart, 
"You -won't be happy until you're 
the only straight man in America." 

Crack;$ abo^t Pegler and Lee 
Mortimer were naturals in view of 
the guest of honor but Sinatra 
turned a serious note by saluting 
his personal guest, John Quinlan, 
himself a former concert singer and 
now The 'Voices vocal coach. 

Un Pan AHey was out in force, 
in tribute to Sinatra, one of its top. 
plugs,' and Berle observed that he 
too is a half-caste songwriter "but 
right now I owe ASCAP four 
points." Phil Silvers, Ken Kling, 
J^on Cohen and Harry Hershfield 
were others who did their stuff. 
' Bill Btandell and Alan Corelli 
handled the shindig which, because 
of its surprijsing cllcfc should be- 
come at least A bi-montfily affair, 
many agreed. Abet 

MISTINGUETX IN LONDON 

London, Dec. 9. 

Mlstinguctt, . supported by Lino 
Carenzio, made her English debut 
at the Casine theatre yesterday 
(Monday), 

Star, suffered a nervous breakdown 
during the third number of the show 
but returned to finish the perform- 
ance to a sympathetic, fulsome re- 
ception. 



WDKmL, TINIAN'S' 
WIN EBONY PLAQUES 

Cliicago; Dec, 9, 
Annual aw<irds to the film, play, 
book and radio program voted as 
doing the most to improve inter- 
racial understanding have been in- 
stituted by Ebony,- Negr<^. {nc mag. 

Bronze plaques for IM7 go to 
"Crossfire," "Kingsblood Royal." 
"Finian's Rainbow" and Walter 
Winchell, 



Filipino pic Players 

Sift ior HVood r<(m 

Manila, Dec. 9k 
Pacita Francisco and Rogelio de 
la Rosa, Filipino film -players planed 
to Bollywood last week to atari 
work on Eagle Lion's "The Avenger." 
Chosen Miss Luzon in thi6 year's 
national beauty contest. Miss Fran- 
cisco will play opposite de^la Boss, 
topfiiight male star. 

With Sidney Salkow directing.: 
forthcoming picture is believed to 
be the first major romantic iUm 
featuring leading Filipino screen 
personalities. 



Cantoif'j^ 4th Drive For 

Vets Xmas Gifts Set 

Eddie Cantor has launched his 
fourth annual campaign for Christ- 
mas gifts for hospitalized vets. This 
year, as in former seasons, campaign 
is being carried Out in cooiieratioti: 
with the National Retail Dry Goods 
Assn, which will plug the campaign 
in newspaper and magazine ads as 
well as provide ballyhoo with special 
booths set up to collect the Christmas 
presents. 

Campaign will also get the co- 
operation of the American Legion, 
AjU Auxiliary, and Disabled War 
'Veterans; 

The (drive will retain as its slogan 
"Give a Gift to a Yank who Gave." 



producer. He just lost his fight in 
court after a decision was rendered 
that Jeanson was acting as proxy of 
the scenarists and aot for his own 



Vmlsky reportedly sold the .story for 
$5,000 to Irving Netcher, who, in 
turn, sold it to 20th-Fox, which pro- 
duced the film,, "Dolly Sisters." 
Hearin|{ wa set tor, Dec. 15. 



Kay Campbell 



'"HoUytEood More 
Than Ever Going for 



Those Tieups 



a featere In 

424 Aumvenaty Number 
0ut$eim 



ass Conttaiued from ' pace I ^saa 

tee, got exactly nowhere. The col-i 
loquy between' Bcundage in Omaha 
and 'film * execs heated up the 
wires when the lormer justified the 
reported deal on the ground that 
there was precedent in the action of' 
the Germans during the 1936 Berlin 
Olynjpics, ■■ ' ' 

Brundage was referring to the ap- 
pointment of Leni Riefenstal, film 
actress highly regarded by the Nazj^ 
and then reportedly Hitler's girl 
friend, as head of, Olympic film ac- 
tivities with exclusive rights to 
shorts and features derived from the 
games. Filmites argued with 
Brundage that even in that instance 
YAjnk newsreel cameramen were'f ree 
t6 shoot clips of the games since Miss 
Riefenstai's monopoly did not ex* 
tend to news. 

Paramount, for one, has in- 
structed its London office to enter a 
protest with the British committee. 
Other companies are expected to 
talce parallel action, A letter, under 
the signature of Oscar M6rgan. Par's 
shorts subject sales manager, was 
forwarded to Brundage asking for 
"equal privileges with all other 
agencies who mtend to cover the 
Olympic games," 

"The matter is' so unusual in the 
annals of Olympic game history," 
Morgan's letter .said, "and io obvi- 
ously unfair, xve feel it only right 
and proper to enter our strong ob-, 
jectiott; We cannot conceive that 
the British Olympic Committee could 
possibly foresee the full effect of so 
completely eomraereializing the 
photographic rights of the Olympic 
games— especially those in 1948, the 
first since the war— particularly be- 
cause the Olympic games are mot 
only supposed to represent competi- 
tion between amateur athletes of the 
different countries, but to cement 
good relations and bring the coun- 
tries closer together. I am also pre- 
suming that the British Olympic 
Committee does not have the indi- 
vidual right to allow the photo- 
graphic privileges to be tied up or 
contracted for by any one individual 
or company, and that such rights ac- 
crue to the World Olympic Commit- 
tee, of which, of course, you .are a 
member." 

"We are not contending that w$ 
want something for nothing," Mor- 
gan said further. "I am sure you ap- 
preciate that coverage of the Olym- 
pic games per se will entail great 
expense to Paramount Newsreel and 
other U. S. newsreel companies." 

It's reported that Britain was hard 
pressed for cash to finance the 
games and that Hank made a sub- 
.stantial donation- to the British 
Olympic Gonunittee. In return, he 
received exclusive film rights. 



CpoM May Have 
Rao Its Course 

Hollywood, Dec, 9. 
, Ralph. B^Wairds, "Tmth or Con- 
seijuence^ emcee, isn't 'sure whether 
there'll be Miother "Ifush" contest 
Anyway, theire won't be one" till next 
season. If it can' be made to s^rve a 
useful purpdee o* worthy cause, he's 
all for it, but' jusfc tot the sake of 
hypoing the showr-ihe'd rather fore- 
go it. 

Not that Edwards, or spon.sor 
Procter & Gamble,"^ aren^t completely 
gratified with the fiikyoff Saturday 
Bight but he prefers 'entertainment 
to giveaways on show. Now that he's 
exhausted Mr,, Mrs. and Mi-ss Hush, 
there's beeu .some speculation on 
where to go from here. Should he 
decide to repeat the gtunt next year 
for the Marc^ of Dimes, or ' some 
other charity, he's practically de- 
cided on whose voice would be next 

Right now it's a tossup between 
Mr. and Mt*,, as one family head, 
and Baby ,Bush. There are also 
Grandma and Grandpa to be reck'- 
oned with. Due to the time element 
the "Miss" contest yielded fewer 
dimes that "Mrs." last February, but 
the infantQe paralysis -fund will still 
get a check for about ;$350,<)00. Last 
time it was $543,000. 

Contest just closed drew 717,000 
pteoes- of mail with an average do- 
nation of 50c as against 92p,t"'^ let- 
ters ia February. Current c pst 
set twe 'Tecontei howevei?, the mail 
hitting tlSfiOO on one day for a new 
high, breaking its record next day 
with 145,000. Reuben H. Donnelly 
Co., which handled the mail, and 
performs that function for all ma- 
jor contests, declared that the mail 
ptill those two' days was 'an' all-time 
record for mail contests. 

For the eight .weeks the content 
ran. £dwards will be out of pocket 
around $16,000. Just hpw much the 
Texas housewiie who tabbed Mar- 
tha Graham will be taxed by the 
Government for the :^20,150 in mer- 
chandise prize;^ still isn't known. It 
will be iigurec} later in the week 
when she arrives to appear on the 
airer. ' JJkely she'U be nicked on 
some items not taken care of by 
donors, . 

Edwards explained how the Gra- 
ham name was chosen. Names sub- 
mitted by .his five writers were'dis- 
carded. At ,a Dallas party, someone 
mentioned her 'name. It didn't ring 
a bell at first but later it kept haunt- 
ing him, so he phoned Miss Graham, 
and got her Okay to go ahead. He 
worked out the riddle on a plane 
back to Hollywood. Contest started 
on next airen 



Government Wants Share 

Washington, Dec. 9. 

Buireati of Internal Revenue de- 
clare^ itsfeU "in" on the $20,000 "Miss 
Hush" boodle 'won by Mrs. Ruth A. 
Sufabie, ot Port Worth, the govern- 
ment boys estimating that their par- 
ticular "widow's mite" of the coin 
would be about $5,000. 

Since the awards are in merchan- 
dise, this meant that Mrs. Subbie 
might have to sell some ol: her prizes 
to keep out d clutches of that tax 
coUecter Htma. - 



Alexis Smith, Stevens, 
Young in Ffom Eng. 

Delayed a day by heavy weather, 
the Queen Mary is scheduled to ar- 
rive in New York today (Wed.) with 
complement of film players re- 
turning from Britain's Command 
Performance. They include Alexia 
Smith and her husband, Craig Ste- 
vens, as well as Loretta Young, who 
was hoi^pitalisted briefly for a minor 
operation during her London stay. 
Robert . Montgomery, who also ap'» 
peared at the CP, returned last week 
aboard the America and is 'now on 
the Coast casting "Come Be My 
Love,"; his next Independent film for 
U-I release. Bob hope planed in ear- 
lier from- London, his wife coming 
back by boat several days later. 

Also listed among the Mary's in- 
coming passengers are film and legit 
comedienne Gracie Fields and Metro 
contract player, Linda Christian, who 
is returning from a European vaca- 
tion of several months. Among those 
sailing on the Cunard liner tomor- 
row iThurs.) are Sir Henry French, 
director-general of the British Film 
Pr6ducers Assn., and HKO producer 
William Pereira. Latter will survey 
locations in England for the forth- 
coming Baok-BKO "The Capta: . 
was a Lady." 



Wedn(iiHhiy» PeteaalMMr 10," 1947 



ncrrRBs 



PK SET TO GO ON TELEREELS 



SHOW BIZ IN THE MTODLE 

It seems a far cry from Petrlllo to Communism but show busi- 
ness is caught in the middle of a situation where Uncle Sam 
unwittingly is the heavy. The admittedly now obsolete Copyright 
Act of 1909 has squeeze-played the music-radio and allied phases 
of the entertainment industry , in an unwelcome showdown with 
the American Federation 6£ Musicians. And. Washington's tardi- 
ness in ruling on Commutilis'm has likewise done a disservice to 
Hollywood. 

On the issue of Communism, howeiver, there is strong likeli- 
JhOOd that Congress will move fast and that within two months 
thefe will be an of flcial pronouncement whether pr not the Com- 
munist Party iand/oc -any b( ^ts tentj»cles become legally tabii. 
Thus it would, automatically s6lv6 and r«SDlve the Red issue not 
only in Hollywood but border-tdrborder. The fact that the pic- 
ture business was compelled to take the initiative may, in a very 
short time, emblazon the industi^^s move as a trail-blazer where 
now, in certain quarters, there still exists an air of doubt. It's 
axiomatic, 6t Americans that national catastrophe is the. great 
uniter.' "We saw it in this war just past and in previous wars, and 
seemingly it's essential in a "cold war." 

As regards PetrlUo and his claims for his musicians, there is 
no question that our Congressional salons .40 years ago could 
never foresee the effects and the impact of the rapidly developing 
type of electronics which are .so dominant today, not only in. 
America but in mass entertainment the world over. The Taft- 
Hartley Act further complicated the foyalty technique into union 
coffers, and so show business is in an unenviable squeeze play 
which only official Governmental ukase can correct. Revision of 
the>1909 Copyright Act to conform with mld-20th century science 
and development is the solution. 

But it looks like the JEteds will get first D. C. considerditiofn. Even 
though both, issues, for the4ime being anyway, may be pushing 
show biz more into the red. ' . . ' Al^eif.' , 



Sears WarnsThatUAWinrightTo 
Block Any 'Abdkatmg' Producors 



Court action' against' Enterprise,'*' 
tlie Cagney brothers^ Howard Hawks 
and .any otiier producer who ' fails 
to 'live up to tlie letter ofhis contract 
With United Artists was threatened 
yeiiterday (Tuesday ) by prexy Grad 
Sears in a biting statement on the 
status of the.cotnpany. Also threat- 
ened with legal action was Warner 
Bros.i which recently made a dis- 
tribution deal with the Cagneys, 

Sears' flst-swinging was engen- 
dered by "unfavorable reports con- 
cerning UA's financial and internal 
condition which he attributed to 
"self'-seeking . . . story^spreading 
competitors." Also behind it are 
jnoves by various indies to ditch 
their contracts with the company — 
already critically short of product 
•^in order to release elsewhere. 

Sears' statement follows: 

"It is not the custom of United 
Artists' management to dignify the 
industry's fishwives by answering 
ruthors, gossip and maligning. The 

'Have-you-htjard-that ' boys, lilce 

taxes, are always with us. 

"Recently,) however, the unsolicited 
and un'welcome. attention of the in- 
dustry has been directed at our com- 
(Continued on page ?2) 



mrnm British trip 

OFF, SETS COAST FILM 

' Samuel Goldwyn has called off 
the trip to England on which he was 
to depart irom New York Friday 
(12), Instead, he will return to tlie 
Coast inext Monday (15) to begin 
work on anotlier picture. He had 
planned to spend Christmas, as he 
did last year, with his son, who 
works for J. Arthur Rank. 

Producer, who came east about' six 
weeks ago, shut down his studio op' 
eratious following completion of 
Danny Kaye's "A Song Is Born" 
"with the idea of staying in New 
York except for three weeks in 
England — until about March 15. 
Change of mind resulted from the 
feeling the present time is not pro- 
pitious for a layoff. 

Three members of Goldwyn's staff 
will accompany him west. They are 
Lew Kerner, talent director; Max 
Wilkinson, in charge of writers, and 
Bernie Smith, story editor. Pat Dug- 
gan/ talent and story v.p., has set up 
headquarters in New York and will 
remain dast permanently. 

Producer hopes to have the next 
pic before the cameras by Aprjl.^ He 
■ has four scripts in work and the first 
one ready will go. They are "Take 
Three Tenses," "Secrets," "Billion 
Dollar Baby" and "Earth «nd High 
Heaven." 



RougKing It De Luxe 

Economy i& really catching on. . 
. Baskets to be distributed to Par.- 
amount's board of directors at 
their private annual Christmas 
party is to be filled with chew- 
ing gum and counter candies of 
the inexpensive type. 
. For the past few yearSi bas- 
kets were generally loaded with 
Scotch, bourbon, imported wines 
and the like. 




Repart Matty Fox 
Exiting U for His 
Own Businesses 



Matty Fox is stepping out of his 
post as exec veepee of Universal 
with his resignation effective as of 
Dec. 31, according to reliable reports. 
(Fox was home ill yesterday (Tues.) 
and couldn't be reached for confir- 
mation). He's dropping his top- 
drawer ' duties with U to devote his 
time to other interests including U's 
16m subsid, United World Picturesy 
of which he's board chairman. : 

Among Fox's multitudinous out-; 
side interests is his ownership of the 
World Export & Import Co. He also 
directs the activities of Vitavision 
Co., holder of practically all three- 
dimensional photography patents, 
besides having a hand in both the 
diamond cutting and plastic busi- 
nesses.' , : 

UWP is getting set "to release a 
series of 86 two-reel geographical 
films. "Your World and Mine;" which 
Louis de Roehemont i.s producing. 
Vitavision retently spUiiged into a 
nationwide campaign to license tri- 
dimension rights to stores and com- 
mercial studios. 

As part of his chores at U, Foi 
supervised the company's economy 
program following the British snarl. 
Reportedly, he's ankling his tjniver- 
sal job to save the company his sub- 
stantial salary since, with the profits 
from his outside activities, most o£ 
it is eaten up in Federal income 
taxes, 



A full-iicale invasion of television's 
domain by major .film companies is 
nearing, according to persistent re- 
ports in trade circles. The move- 
ment, in all likelihood, will take its 
initial' shape in the . formation of 
television nfewspeel companies by a 
number of thp big companies. "That 
action's been bruited for some time. 
It's noyi taken a terrific stimulation 
from the tremendous video audience 
that, watched last week's Joe Louis^ 
Jersey Joe Walcott boxing match, 
estimated at between. 750,000-1,- 
000,000.. 

Growth of - tele has now upped 
the value of newsreels as broadcast 
fodder terrifically. Indicating their 
current value, understood that Para» 
mount was recently offered a total 
of $1,500,000 for the tele rights to 
its newsreels for a three-year 
stretch. Proposal was made by' a 
national sponsor who - wanted to put 
on a • two-per-week program over 
a number of stations. Under the 
terms of the oflqr, Par would have 
been paid $250,000 the first year; 
$500,000, the second; and $750,000 
the third. 

Proposition was nixed on the 
ground it would have competed 
with theatres. Par, however, has 
been persistently reported consider- 
ing establishment of a separate 
newsreel tele '. company to hanflle 
clips on spot events. Should it go 
through, newsreel company catering 
to theatres would probably swing 
into magazine type issues. 

Other BlSs to Majors 

Metro, it's said, has instructed its 
News Of The Day toppers to take 
steps in organizing an Independent' 
tele-reel outfit. . M-G's officials 
(Continued on - page 24) 



Big 5's Appeal Briefs Indicate 
Acceptance of Competitive Bidding^ 
If It Means Saving Their Theatres 



Audience Research On 
'Crossfire' a Cue to Pix 
Biz on Similar Films 

Answering widespread doubts and 
fears about the social impact of 
Hollywood's handling of the con- 
trbvfersial anti-Semitic theme in 
such pictures as "Crossfire" and 
"Gentleman's Agreement," a recent- 
ly concluded survey of audience re- 
action to "Crossfire" reveals that the 
film gained wide approval in all 
segments of the population. Non- 
industry sponsored, the study was 
made under the supervision of Dr. 
Louis E. Raths, director of research 
of the New York University School 
of Education, and Frank Trager, na- 
tional program director of the- Anti- 
Defamation League of B'nai B'rith.^ 

Based upon samplings from a high 
(Continued on page 10) 



Darryl F. Zanuck 

.MM 

'Films Coming of Age 
— 1948 a Challenge 
to Entire Industry's 
Showmanship'* , 

■ ■■ *.' * . * 

an Editorial FMtur* . In tha 

42d Annivenary Number 
of 

US!RIETY 
DtteShordy 



SMPP Rejects 
Donald Nelson s 
Resignation Move 

Hollywood,,, Dec! 9. 

Donald Nelson's resignation;, as 
prexy of the Society of Independent 
Motion Picture Producers was 
promptly tossed back at him by 
SIMPP's exec committee, it has been 
learned. Committee was not gentle, 
either,, in the words it used in re- 
jecting continued efforts by the for? 
mer War Production Board and 
Sears Roebuck exec to get ou.t from 
under the SIMPP load. ■ 

Whether the committee's harsh 
words and . insistence . will, have the 
eiTect of keeping Nelson active on' 
the SIMPP's behalf, or whether he'll 
just refuse to continue, is yet to be 
resolved. Society prez has been in 
(Continued on page 10) 



Selznick's Coast Return 

David O. Selznick, who has been 
in New York for the past two weeks, 
is slated to return to the Coast to- 
morrow (Thursday). Paul MacNam^ 
ara, Selznick v.p. in charge of pub* 
licity and advertising, returned- to 
Hollywood yesterday. ■ - ; 

Selznick- was - in New York - to 
spend Thanksgivini; with his sons 
arfd see "Streetcar Named Desire" 
which his estranged; wife, Irene, 
produced. 



National Boxoffice Survey 

Xmas Shopping Slows Down Biz— 'Dolphin/ 'Mitty/ 
'Life,' 'Unconquered,' 'Had to Be' Pace Field 



DE MILLE'S SLICING 

. Hollywood, Dec. 9. 
Cecil B. De Mille enteied Cedars 
of Lebanon hospital for -minor 
surgery.! . ., .■ . 



Early arrival of Christmas shop- 
ping season is putting a dent in the 
national boxoffice this week, with 
every key covered by 'Varietv suf- 
fering declines of varying intensity. 
From N. Y. to San Francisco, most 
exhibitors are merely coasting, and 
hoping to get by witli holdovers and 
extended-runs rather than launching 
new product before Christmas day. 

"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G) is 
pacing the field -for the second week 
in a row, but even the total busi- 
ness of this picture is off consider- 
ably from Thanksgiving week; "Wal- 
ter Mitty" (RKO) and "Where 
There's Life" (Par) again are fight- 
ing it out .for second position, with 
the former winning out. A week 
ago "Life" copped second. 

Others in the Big Six are "Un- 
cbnquered" (Par), "Had, To Be You" 
(Col) and "Body and Soul" (UA). 
This is a vast advance for "Had To 
Be," and was achieved via a rous- 
ing session in Washington, leader- 
ship in Denver albeit mild weeks in 
Philadelphia and N. Y. 

■Runners-up, evenly split as to ac- 
tual revenue, include "Golden Ear- 
rings" (Par) , "This Time for Keeps" 
(M.G), "Exile" (U), "out of Blue" 



(EL) and "Out of P*st" (RKO). 
"Exile'' tU)*^ looks like a comer* 
based on. business being done this 

session, 

Of the newcomers this round, 
"Good News'" (M-G) appears fairly 
promising as judged by a good week 
at N. Y. Music Hall, even if not 
smash. '"Past" also looks a strong 
entry, being leader in Cincinnati, 
nice on second N. Y. week and 
sturdy in San Francisco. "Capt. 
Boycott" (U) is rated mild both in 
N. Y. and Los Angeles" although 
I drawing nice notices in former city. 
I "So Well Remembered" (RKO) is 
! doing okay currently in Cincy, "Es- 
' cape Me Never" (WB) is proving as 
I dull outside of N. Y. as when it was 
1 at the Strand, being mild in St. 
I Louis, thin in Indianapolis and slow 
I in Frisco. "Northwest Outpost'' is 
1 racking up a fancy session in Provi- 
1 dence. 



The Big Five's briefs for the U. S. 
Supreme Court, now in the polishi- 
ing stage, throw the works at theatre 
divorcement and the Government's 
counter-proposal, of a cross-licens- 
ing ban, but reserve only, a half-slap, 
halt -pat for competitive bidding, 
bans on price fixing and block book'- 
ing, and other provisions of the cur- 
rent decree. The quintet (with the 
possible exception of Paramount) 
have retreated to a legal line which 
recognizes the; value of the decree's 
sales provisions while launching an 
all-out attack on divestiture. 

Contrary to the bitter assault 
competitive bidding which the Little . 
Three is lining up. Big Five briefs 
$ee plenty of virtues in; the isystem. 
What's- apparent throughout the 
arguments is a willingness by the 
theatreeowning majors to accept the 
statutory court's book of rules pro* 
viding it's recognized by the high 
court that the need for divorcement 
is thereby eliminated. 

. After a mild tut-tut because of the 
novelty of the new selling rules, the ; 
Big Five maintain that , these 
judicially improvised practices will 
remove any taint' of monopoly which 
miy have heretofore affected the flln» 
business. Such eomraoft exhib com-*' 
plaints as being deprived of product, 
of being forced to inferior run posi- 
tion or subject to mordinately long 
clearances are no longer possible un- 
der the new decree, integrated com- 
panies argue in their briefs. 

Competitive bidding gives the in- 
die the same advantages as an af- 
fiUatej briefs claim. -Since that's soi 
(Continued on page 2S) 

FINNmflAYWOItlH^ 

pixRi©rrsmij[077 

Hollywood, Dec. 9. ' 
- Arvo Himberg, Finnish exhibitor, 
closed a deal with Columbia for 
flrstrun rights in Finland on. all Kit* 
Hayworth .films "for the next 30 
years." In case she retires in the 
meantime, he said, he wants to rua ' 
Hayworth tstarrers over and over.' ■ 
' In addition t6 his ehore'-as presi- 
dent of Astor Films of Helsinki,. 
Himberg is chairman of Finland's 
Olympic Games Committee) and is . 
here to gander athletese as well aat 
pictures^ 



"LTneonquered" (Par), big in Los 
Angeles on initial holdover stanza, 
looks tine in Minneapolis and Bos- 
ton and okay in Detroit on extended 
run date. 

(Complete Boxo//ice Reports 
on Paget 14->16) 




Trftdo Murk tleKlsteMd 
POUNDED BT SIMB PILVERMAN 
PuMtalied Weekly l(3r VARIKTX, Inc. 

Sill Silrormaii. 7r»ldfnt 
1S4 Wdst 40111 St.. Vork t9, T. 

V 8UBSCBIPT10N 
Anniiil tlO . JTonlfn tl) 

Slnclt Copici . 'is Qenti 

Vol.169 1^^^ . No.l 

,' ; . ::;iM0EX.-'.->''^'^:; 

Bills 63 

Chatter 70 

Concert . . . ... .... ... .... . . 66 

Disk Jockey Review.s 50' 

Film Reviews . . . . : , . . 12 

Foreign . . . , . . .... ..... . ..^ 18 

House Reviews 64 

Inside Legit 66 

Inside Music . . , . . ... . . . . , ,-58 

Inside Pictures 22 

Inside Radio . , 46 

Legitimate . , 65 

Literati ....... 69 

Music . . . . ..... 50 

New Acts .......... , i ... , ,;, 63 

Night Club Reviews 60 

Obituaries , . .. 71 

Orchestras 50 

Pictures 3 

Pre-Production News' 7 

Radio . 24 

Radio ...... ........... 27 

Radio Reviews ......i. 43 

Records ....... 50 

Frank Scully 69 

Television . . . ; . .-. . ., . ,.; 30 
■Vaudeville , . .... ........ . . 59 

(PuMIsliDd In HnllywiKKl ta 
, l>»ll» VMlfty, Uil.) 
M i Tnr-4li Vgnilta , 



More Great ?^roducers 
Mean More dieat ^Productions 

From ^Paramount 



For some time Paramount has made more of 
the year's top 50 boxofRce pictures than any 
Other company. Instrumental in this achieve- 
ment, of coursej.were Paramount's' show-wise 
studio management and its brilhant array of 
production and direction talent, ^ 

Recently this industry-topping staff has been 
augmented by.some of the most notable nam€;$ 
in the current annals of screen entertainment* 
J^ow it has been still further strengthened by the 



addition of two of the most famous makers of 
famous motion pictfires-^the kind of pictures 
that have brought new patronage to your 
theatre and new prestige to this industry* 

We doubt if any such roster of top talent in 
this crucial creative field has ever been as- 
sembled on one studio lot. Here is picture- 
making power so overwhelming that it,cian 
make every Paramount picture one of the top 
5(3 pictures of any year. 




W«M«^jt Dccfcttiber 10, 1947 




J Pjramount Welcome To 




Leo McCarey 

Winner of 3 Academy Awards for "Going My Way" 
and producer, director and author of "The Bells of 
St. fJlary's" and director of "Ruggles of Red Gap" 

Norman Z. McLeod 

Director of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Pen- 
nies From Heaven" and the recently completed Para- 
mount productions "Road to Rio" and "The Paleface** 

And Rainbow Productions 

with all its important pictures and other assets. 



Wedweediaf/,' Dccemlwir 10, '1<)47 



HoBy w(K)d Peace or War Depends 
Strictly on the 3 Talent Guilds 



.Hollywood, Dee. 9. 

Peace or war in Hollywood over 
the film industry's current purge of 
leftist personnel is hanging in the 
balance as three top talent unions — 
the l^cre^h Actors Guild, .Screen Di- 
rectors Guild and. Screen Writers 
Guild— lined up this week- to formu-- 
late their separate policies. 

At meetings of the SWG and SAG 
exec boai'ds yesterday (Monday), it 
was not disclosed what policy was 
adopted on the drive against Com* 
munism although the- auestion was 
discussed. Both bo'ar as also' con- 
sidered participation of the Guilds 
in the aU-industry lAiblic relations 
committee to whip up favorable opin- 
ion for the motion picture industry. 

SWG is planning to . hold a gen- 
eral membership meeting Dec. lii at 
which* time any plan on either topic 
will be- put to a full vote for con- 
certed acceptance or rejection. It's 
imlikfely, however, that SAG will 
call a mass meeting for similar ac- 
tion, due to its large membership. 
Exec board of the Screen Directors 
is holding a meeting tonight (Tues- 
day) to thrash out its attitude- 
Following the Guild conferences, 
the plans call for a general meeting 
of Guilds and' studio, executives, tiie 
object of whicli is to present a unit- 
ed defense against Hollywood's nu- 
merous critics. 

Meanwhile there is opposition . to 
the plan from extremists ou both 
sides. The leftists «re still fighting 
for the cause of the flive "unfriend- 
ly witnesses" who have been lopped 
oil the studio piayrolls.. Last of the 
five were Dalton'Trumbo and Lester 
Gole, writers; who got; the axe at 
MetrOi They were • suspended with 
the following statement: 

"Notice of suspension of employ-, 
ment. was sent to Dalton Trumbo 
and Lester Cole by Metrof-Goldwyn- 
Mayer "^studios, in accordance -vvilb 
the industry's statement recently 
outlined in New York by Eric Joljnr 
ston, president of the Motion Picture 
Association." 

While the other- thre^ were sum- 
marily dismissed, Trumbo and Cole 
were merely "suspended," but 
Metro's spokesman declared the wqrd 
"suspension" provided a "different 
method of proceeding" tod' that 
. there -was no difference in the ends 
reached, Trumbo a&d Cole promised 
a legal battle.' ■ 



Rep. Defends H'wood 

Washington. Dec. ,9.. . 

Defense of the industry froin 
charges of . Un-Americanism was 
placed in the Appendix J of tiie 
Congressional Record, I8it wf^k' 
by Rep. Chet Bolifieid, Tuos An- 
geles New Dealer. 

Pointing to the attapks by the 
House . Un-American -Activities 
Committee, Holifield commented 
that "I feel I must rise to the 
defense of an industry and an , 
-art that has contributed so much ' 
to selling the American way" of 
life to the entire world." 



{n&s Eye W But 
l^pikals Feared 

Number of indie producers have 
expressed interest during the past 
week in acquiring the services of U>e 
10 Hollywoedites blackballed b]r tbe 
industry during the past two weel» 
for refusing to testify as-^fo' their 
political faith before the House Un- 
American Conunittee. Indies are 
fearful, however, that hiring the 
men might bring rt^risals from d.'s- 
tribs and' affiliated circuits is book- 
ing their'fibns, of trouble '"vntit their 



Civil Likerties Union 
Raps &[liibs' Bowing 
To PresstHreXroiips 

Attacking the .undue influence of 
unoffical censorship bodies^ Ameri- 
can Civil Liberties Union . Is pro- 
testing the. action of the Srlani^cr 
theatre, Philadelphia, and the Loew's 
circuit in .Mew 'Jfork in their with- 
drawal of "The Outlaw" and "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux." In letters to the 
theatre execs signed by Roger Bald- 
win, ACLU director, and geneval 
counsel- Arthur Garfield Hays, cx- 
hibs were ItirShed for yielding' to 
private pressure groupii opposed to 
these particular films. 

The Union said that while it did 
not question the "right of any grout) 
of citizens t-o express their opposi- 
tion" by boycott or pieketingj ac- 
ceptance of such, views deprives 
those who . do not share tliem of the 
right to see any such fillns. It added 
that "minority pressures of this sort 
do not reflect the interests of the 
general movie-going public." 



There are a number of reasons 
why the independent, producers are 
interested in the services of the pro- 
ducer, director and three writers 
who were given the gate and the 
/five other writers cited for contempt 
[but who werenH under contract to a 
studio at this time. One of the rea- 
sons i£ thai they are sympathetic to 
the plight of the men, as are other 
industryites- below the top echelon f 
,. Another reason ' is that It gives: 
some of the not-so-well-heeled in- 
dies, they think, the possibility of 
hirmg men who have topnotch pro-, 
fessional ratings'" «t considerably 
less than their regular fees. • 

There has been much oiuiet dis- 
cussion among -the indies ' of this 
poissible rea'ctions fay the majors 
and by the public to their hiring 
any of the 10. They feel that the 
public will little remember by the 
lime tbat a fllm that's written now- 
hits the screen some. 12 to 18 months 
hence. ■ ■ 

They do fear, however, that there 
mi.?ht- be more or less subtle re- 
prisals fro;n the distribs • and the 
houses they control and also possibly 
from the. banks on which they must 
depend for production loans. There's 
a strong possibility, however, that 
som'6 of the men may find jobs witb 
, the indies in a few ajonths. 
i The five fired .-or suspended in- 
clude Adrian Scott, producer; Ed- 
, ward DmytryJc; director, and DaltOn 
Trurabo, Lester Cole and Ring 
Lardner, Jr., writers. . 



AFL'S Mm JOINS 
INFKHtONMLAW 

Part ol an overall American FoU- 
etation of Labor setup, the Intci'- 
national Alliance of Theatrical Sta.^'e 
Employees will enter the national 
political scene in 1!)48. Following a 
meeting in WEshington over 'la'it 
weekend (6-7) attended by 105 AFL 
officials, Richard F. Walsh, lA prw, 
was appointed to the administration 
.committee of. the newly ornanirxiA 
Labor Bducation and Political 
League which will fight the Taft- 
Hartley bill and other anti-labor 
legislation. 

Along with other AFL unions, 
lATSE is asiessing each of its 40.000 
members $1 apiece to finance the 
politic.al setup.. Half of the coin will 
go to the national ofSce and the 
other half will be retained by the 
lA, which is setting up local com- 
mittees to operate along parallijl 
lines. 



MPA SCORES SOVIET 
ATTACK on 01 PIX 

'Washington, Dec. 9. 
I Motion Picture Assq; today lashed 
I bank at the Russians -in answer to 
,Mo.scow's blast against Hollywood, 
which had coupled a call to filmltes 
to rise up against the industry's ef- 
forts .to support the Truman Doc- 
trine and Marshall plan. The Krem- 
lin's appeal, voiced in the MoseoW 
Literary Gazette by the headmen of 
the Soviet film world, "was an of-' 
fmial call to arms to Anierioan; 
stooges to rebel against the motion 
picture industry and give HoUy- 
^.'ood the business," MPA' declared 
'hrough Joyce OTIara, ass't to prcxy 
: Eric ilohnston. 

j Up to now; MPA , said, Kremlin 
I "has been content with ocAa^ional 
.in:ping against American film.s," but 
were now out for the works. "Hav- 
ni,s! fEiiied in any way to influence 
the American screen, the Kremlin is 
I now out on a grand "scale to 
jVillify and discredit our pic- 
tures and leading Hollywood 
personalities through its-fifth column 
, j« America*" 

I Soviet article subjected to MPA 
counter-attack blasted Johnston, 
Paramount, Warner Bros.. Darryl 
■ F, Zanuck, Louis B. Mayer and 
Hearst columnist Louella Parsons. 
It assailed Hollywood gensrally 
as the source . of the "printipal 
sermons of wm-ld bigotry" and at- 
tacked Warners specifically, for pro- 
jected production of anti^Soviet pix. 




GBLLAMB 

Now In Rome, .Italy, starring in 
Oine Opera's ."Eternal Melody" to be 
released by Columbift Pictures. Re- 
turning' V. S. 'Dec. 25. 

OpeulDg at Olympia . Theatre, 
Miami, Dec. 3]. 

' Excl, Mjitnt. ' 
WILLIAM MORWa AGENCY, Inc. 



Fklmlidirsliew 
hbfic Rdafions 

Eric Johnston is expected to name 
%is week an itil-industry board 
whlcii will supervise expanded pub- 
lie relations .activities by the Motion 
Picture Assn. Board will consist of 
MPA press chief Kenneth Clark; the 
chairmen of the- eastern and western 
Advertising and Pubilcity, Directors 
Committees of the, Motion Picture 
Assn., and a number of mentbors of 
the board of MPA. 

Plans for the board and expansion 
of MPA public relations staffs were 
given the blessing of the Associa- 
tion's directorate at its meeting in 
New York last Wednesday (3); 
Slated to get a staff of assistants are 
Clark, who heads the overall setup 
and: headquarters in. Washington; 
Tom Wall«r, who is New York flack 
cbi«f, <and Arch^ ReevAS^.C^ast pub- 
licity tot>per. * 

Among plans being discussed for 
the new public relations program are 
revival on an expanded basis of the 
MPA's monthly newsletter. Former- 
ly put out bv the jffew York office, 
the- typewritten-photo-offset letter 
was discontinued about four months 
ago. It went to women's clubs, par- 
ent-teacher tjroups, critics and news- 
paper editorial writers and editors. 

If the project is revived, the pub- 
lication probably Will be much more 
elaborate. One thought is to make it 
almost a fan mag. and distribute it 
for free in theatres In attempt to dis- 
pel adver.se criticism and mould fa- 
vorable public opinioni 

New public relations board, under 
which such projects would fall, was 
to have been named by Johnston at a 
meeting at the end of last week. 
There was a delay, however, which 
will carry it over to this week. MPA 
refused to comment on the program 



as yet. 



s 

Andy W. Smith, Jr.,. 20th-Fox gen- 

eral sales manager, entrained for 
Chicago last (Tuesday) night to 
huddle with company territorial 
sales managers on the Jackson Park 
Situation, 

Smith will be joined in Chi today 
(Wednesday) by assistant sales chief 
WiUjam C. Gchring, who's been on 
•a business trip to Toronto. 



Maiodce Zolotow 

"How to Interview 
nil Actdr'* 

In 

forthcoming 
42d Anniversary Number 



Congress Gets OK fw $64 Qu^tkm 

Legal hopes of the 10 unfriendly w,ltnesse9 io upset the indictments 
voted by" the House Un-American Activities Committee were dampened 
yesterday (Tues.) when a divided U. S. circuit court imslied that 
Congress has the power to ask the $64 question. Case in point was on 
a conviction against Leon Josephson, admitted -Communist, who re- 
fused to be sworn or testify before the Committee. He's an attorney 

. with no film connections, although his. brother, Barney Josephson is 
more directly in show business as owner of the Cafe Society Uptown 
.and Downtown In New York. ' . . • .. 

Two-to-one opinion said in part;" "The power of Congre^ to gather 
facts of the most intens,o public concern, such as these, is not 
diminished by the unchallenged! right of the individuals to speak their 
minds within lawful limits. One need only recall the activities of the 
so-called fifth column in various countries during the recent war to' 
realize the United States should be alert to discover and deal .with the 
seedi of -revolution within itself."' " ' 

' Majority opinion viras by Judges Harry B, Chase and Thomas W. 
Swan of New York, .with Judge Charles E. Clark dissenting. This 
N. Y. federal court is one step below the XI. $. Supreme Court which 
will ultimatebr -settle the (iiiHstien. 
The 19 Holi^yi'oodites who ;^r» <a!w<oni likewise refusM td «ngwef 

'whether th^ Were Condnmnists; 



E R viR Y. IkaUTrilHBe On 
To^'; AbAws Le^ 's Attadi 



Take* Rumor 

Wa.shingtott, Dec. 9. 

Reports- in New. York film 
trade circles- that ' the House 
ifn-American Activities Com- 
mittee will not resume its Hol- 
lywood hearings get^ little cred- 
ence here. Sev«ral members of 
the committee, contacted on the 
rumor^ said they had heard noth* • 
ing of it. 

They pointed, out that only ft 
vote of the full committee could 
make such a determination. 



Hie 10' Expect 
To Duck Arrest 

Hollywood, Dec. 9. 

The, 10 unfriendly witnesses sre 
expected to surrender today (Tues-- 
day), obviating, necessity using bench 
warrants issued by the Government 
in Washington following indictment. 
Warrants were due here late today 
but will .be ignored if the 10 follow 
their attorneys' advice and put in 
voluntary appearance. Arraignment 
is scheduled in Washington, Dec. 19. 

Conviction on indictments charg- 
ing refusal , to answer questions Of 
the Congressional committee carry 
a maximum penalty of one year in 
jail,, or $1,000 fine on each count, or 
both. 



See Trial in .Tan. or Feb. 

■ Wa,shington, Dec. 9. 

The 10 Hollywoodites indicted 
Friday (5) for contempt of Congress 
are slated to ^o on trial either late 
in January or early in February, 

While a mutual agreement by the 
Qovernment and the defendants 
could' turn it aito a mass trial, this 
is not figured likely. Several of the 
defendants reportedly preferred . to 
lake their chances one-at a time, so 
as to protract the trials and get the 
issue, as they, saw it, before the 
country. Since the cases are expect- 
ed to be appealed up to the Supreme 
Court, no final ruling may be- forth- 
coming before 1949. New law on the 
subject of contempt may be made 
in these trials. 

The indictments popped out speed- 
ily on Fi-iday. The announcement 
came just about 24 hours after the 
first of the eases was taken before 
the grand jury. Two of the 10 men, 
John Howard Lawson and Edward 
Dmytryk, were indicted on only one 
count— failure to answer the ques- 
tion about Communist Party niemi 
bership. After a fashion, Lawson 
replic-J to the query about member- 
ship in the Screen Writers Guild. 
Dmytryk is a director. 

The other eight,, however. Would 
not reply sati'-factorially to queries 
about either Sy/G or Commy mem- 
be«hip, and so were indicted for 
contempt' on two counts. They were 
Dalton Trumbo, Albert Maltz, Alvah 
Bessie, Adrian Scott, RinK Lardner, 
Jr., Lester Cole. Samuel Ornitz, and 
Herbert Biberman. 

It was promptly announced that 
bench warrants would be obtained 
for the 10. Assistant U. S. Attorney 
William' Hitz, who has been han- 
dling this Grand Jury, said he would 
recommend arraignment on either 
Dee. 18. or Jan. 2, and would pu.sh 
for trial as soon as possible afte'r 
that. 



■ -Prom several directions the Con-^ 
gressional investigation of alleged 
Communist infiltration of Holly,*, 
wood, and the studios' "purge'' of 
the 10 contempt defendants, are 
continuing to receive protests and 
condemnation. 

Perhaps the most serious attack 
was that brought by the Authors 
.League of America, on the ground 
that the tactics of the House Com- 
mittee on Un-American Activities^ 
under the chairmanship of Rep. J. 
Rarnell Thomas, are an "immoder- 
ate, uncontrolled a n d radieally 
harmful form of censorship now . 
being exercised on the entire profes- 
sion of writing." The statement was 
signed by the League officers and 
the entire council, including some 
of the top names in the various writ-: 
ing'fields. 

Other notable protests against the 
House committee tactics were made 
by a group of Princeton Univ. facul- 
ty members, including Christian 
Gauss, « dean emeritus; the New 
Yorker mag; in its "Talk of the 
Town" section; by New Yorker 
writer S. B, White, in two letters 
to the editor, in the N. Y, Herald 
Ttibune, and by the Screen Office 
'-& Professional Employees Guild, and 
the Screen Publicists Guild (CIO). 
In additionv a proposed amendment 
to the Authors League con.stitution 
.(.see separate story in Literati sec- 
tion), designed to broaden the 
organization's power to deal with 
such developments, indicated the 
seriousness of the writers and their 
intention to 'Carry the ' anti-ceniior- 
."ihip aspect of the fight to the limit. 

In his initial letter to the Herald 
Trib, White took issue with the 
.<!heet's editorial of Nov. 27. which 
conceded the right of the Holly- 
(Continued on page 1?) 

L. A. to N. Y, 

Lee Van Atta 
Charles (Bud) Barry 
Joseph Bernhai-d 
A. Pam Blumenthal 
David Butler' 
Jose Ferrer 
Pamela Fonda 
Clark Gable 
Alan Gundelflhder 
Jack Haley 
Karl Hcrzog 
. Burl Ives 
Oscar Levant 
Douglas MacLean 
Hal Magg 
Henry. Morgan . 
Mildred Natwick 
E. J. Noble 
Pat O'Brien , 

Norma Shearer ■ ; '. 

Vladimir Sokoloff 

Muriel Stafford 

Arnold Stang 

Paul Williams' 

Sam Wood , ' 

N. Y. fo L. A. 

Dana' Andrews 
Barbara Bel Geddes 
Eddie Bracken 
Lou Clayton ' 
Jerry Colonna 
Beryl Davis 
Irene Dunne 
Phil Dunning*' - • 
Jed Harris 
June Havoc 
Claude Jarman, Jr. 
Kenneth MacKenna 
Paul MacNamara 

■ Mack Millar , 
Robert Montgomery 
William Pine 

Mrs. Jack Bobbins 
David O. Selznick 

■ Frank Sinatra 
I Gene Tierney 



W^dbieadNf* Ihembw 10, 1947 



PHB-PRODITCinOKr 



CHANGING 

New Tee A in I^odiKtion Code Kifls 
Any Dences to Cash in On Lurid Sex 
Sdks; K.O. to the Qn^sto' Cycle 




With the Catholic Church and ti> 
< variety of local and n^tlonaV press- 
ure groups breathing. doWn its neck, 
the industry's action last weelc in 
strengthening the Production Code 
gave further evidence that public re- 
lations is currtntly its No. 1 prob- 
lem. The Motion Picture Assn. not 
only moved to 'belay- further criti-! 
cism on gangster ifiltns, but opened 
to Itself wide leeway for putting the 
nix on another "Forevei; Amber." 

While the attention of -the'pre^g— 
which gave the MPA's annoitince- 
ment ' the desired wide play^was 
drawn- to the gangster issue by the 
list of 27 films and' titles which were 
scratched, trade hepsters saw .even 
more' significance in the opening the 
industry gave itself for discouraging 
the fllmization of bestrsellers and 
stage plays of questionable taste. 
. This was accomplished by the re- 
vision of the rules governing titles. 
It, in effect, makes it impossible — If 
the Production , Code Administrator 
so chooses— to hang a title lilce "For- 
ever Ainbec" on a picture, even if 
-the story itself ia sspolioed sufficient- 
ly to get past Joe Breenjs crew.' The 
change resulted from the Legion of 
Decency stance .that public famili- 
arity with Kathleen Winsor's novel 
had audiences reading, into the pic-, 
tura what 20th-Eox claimed wasn't' 
there. Legion's feeling was that 
Fox fllmed 'the yarn largely to take 
advantage of the salaciousness asso- 
ciated with tbe tag on it. 

New Clauses 

Under the 'former Code clause 
covering titles, adopted in 1930, the 
PCA had no basis if or axing such a 
label as "Amber." Code read njerely: 
''Salacious, indecent, or other ' ob- 
(Continued on page 22) 



MPM Following 16m 
Pattern of Majors In 
Releasing 'Em Abroad 

Motion Picture Export Assn., 
which began 16m distribution this 
week in Holland and Hungary, will 
follow much the same pattern of 
operation established by the majors 
for narrow-gauge releases in foreign 
countries. No subjects are to be re- 
leased in 16m that have not already 
been released in 39m, and the con- 
ventional time lag is to be enforced. 
BecaUise of that fact, the MPKA ex- 
pects to face much easier conditions 
in its narrow-gauge distribution. 
- Problem of local government cen- 
sorship will be nil, since all Alms 
will already have been reviewed and 
approved in their 35m size. In addi- 
tion, the supply of 16m films is ex- 
pected to be almost unlimited, since 
they'll continually lag behind 3$m 
pictures in time. ' ^ 

Prints sent by the MPEA thi? week 
to Holland and Hungary have al- 
ready been subtitled. Next two coun- 
tries to be opened by. MPKA to sub- 
standard films are expected to be 
Czechoslovakia and Poland, with 
other countries among the 11 serviced 
by the organization slated for 16m 
films late in 1948. Primary consider- 
ation i is to expand the commercial 
market f or U.S. films, but MPKA "will 
also keep in mind use of 16m ^ims 
for cultural purposes. • * 



Lantz's 90-Day Layoff 

Hollywood, Dec. 9. 

'Walter Lantz, who has a contract 
for 12 cartoons (annually for United 
Artists, is curtailing production over 
90-day period due to limited number 
Of.' tint prints he can get from Tech- 
nicolor durihg.ifoming year and un- 
til United Artists* management has 
settled its problems. 

He's giving creative staff three- 
month layoff beginning next Mon- 
day to reduce inventory of pix in 
production. Move affects oiily those 
doing creative work. Painters and 
Others doing completion of art work 
remain at their posts. Starting 
March 15, he'll enter ftill production 
again. At that time he'll establish 
new schedule to meet UA comMt- 
ments. 



H. S. Kraft'9 

Mart Stery 

"Broadway Cyrano** 

Am MtMM I^Mtw* In th* 

. 'PMfllMOMltM*! 

4SSd Anniversary Number: 



Church's F For 
'Amber' Presents 
Furdier Probl^s 



Boxoffice results of the Legion of 
Decency's reclassification of "For- 
ever Amber"' into its "B" category 
are not expected to be felt for an- 
other several weeks. Before the 
stigma of the previous "condemned" 
classification can be lifted, the Le- 
.gion's new ruling must first filter 
through to Catholic churches 
throughout the country. Most priests 
are expected to announce the 
change to their parishioners next 
Sunday (14). 

Industry is awaiting with special 
interest the st«»nd to be taken on 
"Amber" now by Philadelphia's 
Dennis Cardinal Dougherty. When 
the Fox theatre in Philly failed to 
pull the picture within his ulti- 
matum time of 48 hours, he threw 
a year's boycott at the house and 
at any other in his archdiocese 
henceforth playing 20th product. 
Even With a change in classification, 
it's st&l not eertain the cardinal will 
withdraw his boycott. Similar situ- 
ation exists in several citiesi includ- 
ing Providence, where the film was 
banned in toto by church and civic 
officials. 

Legion handed down its new d«- 
(Continued on page 25) 



DISMISS PIRACY SUIT 
ONWURTZEL'SmiONS 

Los Angeles, Dec. 9; 

Pii'acy suit, in volvihg the picture, 
"Dangerous Millions,"- and aimed at 
Sol M. Wurtzel Produiitions and 
20th-Fox, was dismissed by Judge 
Ben Harrison in U. S. district court. 

Plaintiff Paul Gordon had asked 
$100,000 damages. 



Madden Leaving Lyons, 
Taking Names With Him 

Richard Madden,, head of the play 
department of the A. &S. I^rons 
agency^ is withdrawing to : become 
an independent authors' representa- 
tive. He'll take most of his name 
clients with him, including Eugene 
O'Neil, Sean O'Casey* Cole Porter, 
Somerset Maughan «nd Paul Vjnoent 
Carroll. 

George Freedley, drama critic of 
the N. y. Morning Telegraph and 
curator of the theatre collection of 
the N. Y. Public Library, is set to 
succeed Madden as Lyons' play head. 
However, according to Freedley, he 
hasn't yet worked out future ar- 
rangements with either the paper or 
the Library so he hasn't actually 
signed a contract with Lyons. 

The impending shift in the Lyons 
agency was revealed by Arthur 
Lyons last week ■ in Hollywood, in 
announcing that Danny Winkler and 
N^t Wolff were joining his Coast of- 




NOW i mm 

Rebuilding of the Victoria theatre, 
now set to begin in April, will mark 
another step in the radical changes 
which have already taken place Or, 
are prpmised in= the Broadway thea- 
tre picture. ,Most ^striking is the 
switch in the situation from a year 
ago. Then product was piling up 
begging for a house} now houses are 
limping along bagging for product. 
. ' Broadway appears to. have felt the 
decline of theatre grosses in the 
past year more than other parts of 
th^ nation. Long runs that prevailed 
dt^ring the war years are seldom 
Heard of . now. Besult has been a need 
JFor. more, and more' product to fill the 
gaps, with a tremendous change in 
the overall scene resulting. 

High cost of building and uncer- 
tainty , of -materials has caused City^ 
Investing Co., owners of the Astor, 
Victoria, Bijou, and the Fulton, to 
temporarily abandon the, idea of 
scrapping the , entire , 45th to 46th 
stireet block on -which the four thea- 
tres stand in order to erect a groupi 
of new superi-deluxes houses. 

Instead, it has been decided to do 
a complete renovating job oh the 
Victoria alone to make it a Class A 
flrstrun. In giving a completely new 
front and interior to the house, CI 
theatre operator. Maurice Maurer is 
planning to-, install a new balcony, 
which will raise the- capacity from 
the present 720 seats to be twee n 
1,100 and 1,200. 

The work is expected .to be com- 
pleted by Labor Day. It is hoped 
to keep the theatre open during all 
(Continued on page 24) 



THEATRE MAP 



British Fdm IVoducers Assn. Head 
Avm Lcmdon 'Shows No Burning 
Desire to Get 75% Tax Settled 



Humorist 

H. I. PhiUips 

tell* all obeat a 

**Top Secret** 

in-tlie fertlKomliif ■ 

42d Anniversary Number 



MFPSettoGo 
After MardiQIeet 

Another three-day session of. the 
Motion Picture Foundation, set for 
March 16-18 next, has been agreed 
upon to put the final touches to or-- 
ganization of the industry project. 
Entire framework of the Foundation 
which seeks $10,000,000 initial funds 
is expected to be set up then along 
the lines of finance, administration, 
scope and program, money-raising 
plans, executive office setup, per-' 
sonnel and industry 'relations. 

•Two-day meet at the Hotel Astor, 
N. Y., concluded yesterday (Tues.). 
The trustees named a program and 
scope committee and a finance com- 
mittee. Ned Depinet, RKO's exec 
veepee, was tagged chairman of the 
former, and Ted Gamble, prexy .of 
the Theatre Owners of America, 
vice-chairman, while latter group is 
headed' by Si Fabian and seconded 
by Leonard Goldenson, Faramount's 
theatre head. Goldenson was also 
chosen ass't treasurer to work under 
Barney Balaban, Par's prexy, who 
is the treasurer. 

Depiiiet's committee is to survey 
the . industry on potential need in 
terms of relief and assistance. The 
Fabian group will , determine 
methods of raising coin and admin- 
istering it. 

E. V. Richards, Paramount's New 
Orleans partner, was elected first- 
year head of the MPF at the teeoif 
meeting. His election followed a 
speech by Balaban, chairman of the 
temporary coordinating committee, 
(Continued on page 22) 



Remington, du P. 
Eye Ansco Plum 
In Custody Fight 

Washington, Dec. 9, 
Battle for control of the General 
Aniline & Film Corp., parent of 
Ansco, was temporarily stalled by a 
U. S. Supreme Court decision yes- 
terday (Monday) which held that 
the Swiss Uebersee holding com- 
pany may sue to ijecover property 
seized by the Alien Property Cus- 
todian during the war. It's under- 
stood that RemiAgton Rand has 
made a bid to g^t control of the 
whole works, while duPont is inter- 
ested in. the Ansco color process; 

High court's decision accepted, for 
purpose of its ruling, that Uebersee 
had no enemy connections and 
therefore was entitled to sue for re- 
covery of its property. U. S. Jus- 
tice Department, which was plan- 
ning to dispose of the property 
without interference^ contended that 
foreigners had no tight to sudi court, 
action.. ■ , ■ 

. Next .ciuestion before the courts, 
however, will be to decide whether 
the Uebersee Corp, was a genuine- 
Swiss company or a dummy for Nazi 
ownership. Under a decision also 
made yesterday. Supreme Court up- 
held right of the Alien Property 
Custodian to take over shares of the 
Silesian American Corp. on a find- 
ing that securities registered in the 
name of a Swiss outfit were.held for 
the benefit of a German company. 



t By IRA WIT 

- U. S. anti-trust laws now appear 
as the major obstacle in a settlement ' 
of the British 75% ad valorem tax 
question. British government and 
industryites and American film com- 
panies - favor a- comproinise, pri* 
marily,. based on the slotting of U. S."* 
earnings of British < pix to Yank 
majors if a way. could be found to 
handle the project without violating 
•the Sherman anti-trust, laws. With* 
out that,' neither the- British govern- 
ment nor - the presidents of Ameri- 
can distribs have any solution to tht; 
tax tangle which' is proving « "baf- 
fling problem.*^ i 

Ontat's an up-to-the-minute sum- 
mation of the situation by Sir Henry ' 
French who's opposite number to 
Motion Picture Assn. prexy Eric 
Johnston^ since he holds down tha 
top spot of director general of the 
British Film Producers Assn. Sir 
Henry's opinions followed a series of 
huddles 'Utis week with film heads» 
including . Johnston, Barney Balaban, 
Nicholas M, Schick, Spyros Skouras 
and Ned Depinet. He sails for Eng- 
land tomorrow (11) aboard the 
Queen Mary after attending a : 
UNESCO Confab in Mexico City. 

If a formula could be found which 
would permit reciprocity on films 
and cross-allocating of credits with- 
out stumbling over the anti-trust 
laws, a solution would be speedy, ha 
said. British earnings in America, 
on ^uch a Compromise, must ba 
pooled and then divided among, dis* 
tribs — a process which is legally 
dubious. No other practicable way 
of spreading the cash ' around has ' 
been devised. 

. Can^ See the 'Freeze' 

While he can't speak officially for 
the . British govertpnent, Sir Henry 
is emphatic in his belief that it 
would not accept any proposal for 
freezing American pix coin witli 
(Continued on page 25) 



Weltner's Return , 

George Weltner, Paramount's for-' 
eign dept. head; returns to the U. S: 
Monday (19) aboard 'the S. S. Mau- 
retania from England.: He's been 
abroad for the past six weeks on a 
tour of South Africa, the Continent 
and England. 

Weltner spei^t the past 10 days in 
London to size up the current tax 
crisis and map releases of Para- 
mount product which came into the 
country -before the tax went into 
effect. 



Briefs From the Lots 



Hollywood, Dec. 9. 
Phil Ford wiU direct "Timber 
Trail," Republic oater, co-starring 
Mont* Hale and Adrian Booth, 
starting Jan. 3 with Mel Tucker pro- 
ducing . . . Audrey Long draws the 
femme lead in "Rampage." Crest- 
views' first production for Allied 
Artists release . i Ruth CUflord 
came out of retirement for a role 
in "Th* walls Of Jericho." . . . 
Republic rolled "The Heart of 
"Virginia" with Robert Lowery, Jan- 
et Martin and Frankie Darro in top 
roles ... Universal > International 



signed Tex Beqeke orcfa for a two- 
reel musical.. 

Hal Roach, Jr., bought "The Real 
Thing," Collier's magazsine yarn, for 
production in spring , . . WlUiain 
Stephens' next indie production will 
be "California Conquest," based on 
the formation of the Republic of 
California . . . William Keifhley and 
production staff left. for. Washington 
to shoot scenes for "The Street With 
No Name" at the FBI Academy for 
20th-Fox . . . Filming of "The Iron 
Curtain" resumed on the 20th-Fox 
after shooting exeriors of Canada's 
government buildmgs in Ottawa, 



'Dream' Homes Part Of 
fiaily for 'Blandings' 
In Key-City Campaign 

Unique ballyhoo campaign calls 
for erection in key cities of more 
than 100 replicas of the actual house 
used in the forthcoming "Mr. Bind- 
ings Builds His Di-eam House" 
(RKO)— film is being distributed by 
SRO despite its RKO production. Pic 
stars Cary Grant, Myrfta Loy and 
Melvyn Douglas. SRO publicists 
conceived the stunt. ' 

Houses will be built within the next 
six months and are expected to - be 
completed, furnished and placed ori 
public display by May. It's planned 
to have the model homes open lot 
inspection for at least a month in 
order to capitalize on the publicity 
prior to the^ fllm'^ release in June. 

With SRO furnishing the plans, 
actual construdtion of the "dream 
houses" has already been set in some 
30 cities. Many building-supply 
firms,- as well as departm«tt Stores^ 
contractors, home furnishers and 
real estate agencies, are cooperating 
in .erection of the homes. Inci- 
dentally, they won't be given way. 
After the pablicity fires dim, the 
houses will be placed on the market. 
However, in some cases they may be 
raflfled oil for the benefit of worthy 
charities, 



Hitchcock's N.Y. Prowl 

Alfred Hitchcock heads for New 
York from the Coast 'next week on 
the prowl for a couple' of legit play- 
ers to fill feature roles in his forth- 
coming film, "The Rope." First of 
two films being turned out by Trans- 
atlantic, new Hitchcock-Sidney Bern- 
stein production outfit, for Warner 
Bros, release, pic starts pre-shooting 
rehearsals within 10 days. 

Meantime, Perry Ferguson has 
joined Transatlantic's ranks as art 
director for "The Rope." Ferguson 
formerly was art director on Sam- 
uel Goldwyn's "Best Years Of Our 
Lives" and "The Bishop's Wife." 



W«9aeaiMj, PecemW 10, 1947 



^^^^ ^^ Z >^-f^ 




ifffgBSSt^.. HAVE A 





in 

■ n Pi 





li^s dnotfierSiuMi 




At The ASTOR 

Beginning December 10th 




Distributed by 





«« 



-.p CAST, DIREC- 

*""IS^rW«>WNO STRONG D«A«*^.k^W» 
Of BOXOffjff ' - — ^ 



. .it's in the air., 
uit GoiDiiYiihit^^ 




ii ^ ^ 



d Radio Pictures, Inc. 




10 



Wednesday, December 10. 1947 



Trade Relations Hiisjudgmeiif 
Sounded at National Allied Meet 
In Super-Heavy Raps at Distribs 



■ Milwaukee, Dec. 0, 
Extra virulence with which the 
delegates to the Allied States' na- 
tional convention went after the dis- 
tributors here last week had as its 
basis ■ what some . sideliners termed 
a misjudgment in. trade relations. 
Exhibs usually come to these meets 
•with chips against distribs on either 
shoulder hui this time the chips wete 
multiplied, all because, as several 
times referred to from the dais, of 
'^ack tif cooperation" from the major 
picture companies. 

Leaders of Allied had asked each 
of the eight major companies to con- 
tribute eight pages to the' conven- 
tion program book, on whose pro- 
ceeds the association depends for a 
goodly share of the convention ex- 
pense money. The majors got to- 
gether and decided, because o* the 
current economy policy, to limit the 
request to two pages each. Warners, 
however, came through with the 
eight pages. 

While the «ctions taken against 
the distribs resolved themselves 
pretty much in paper talk, it was 
ASCAP that took the real brunt of 
the convention's militancy; For the 
first time in the history of the per- 
forming rights society a 'grpup of its 
music users will operate under a 
plan whereby they wiU have mutual 
]»rotectton from A'SCAP. liUgation. 
The plan, ishidh will" apply ohly to 
exhibs who do not sign ASCAP con- 
tracts, is, as follows; 
. 1. Participating exhibs will pay to 
an Allied regional -committee a sum 
eciual to one year's dues to ASCAP 
fX whatever -rate then in effect. 

%. The tiCMoamlitee will advise 
ASCAP that in consideration 
of the. society's agreement not 
to sue or "otherwise molest the sub- 
iwaribi«K exhibitors for failure to sign 
a contract,'', the committee will de^ 
posit air such one year's dues, upon 
the conditions that if, by the end of 
•Ui^ year there has not beep a final 
decision o( ASCAP's status under 
existing law, or if the copyright law 
has not . been amended to "curb" 
ASCAP's procedure, the funds in es- 
. crow will be turned, over to ASCAP 
and received' as dues f romlthe sub-, 
mribing exhibitors. 
- ' t. It the issues regarding ASCAX 
aren't settled in the courts or Co» 
gress at the end of the first year, the 
.committee will then ask ASCAP to 
renew this arrangement for anothei* 
year. , 

■ ' t In the event ASCAP refuses tp 
accept the escrow idea the funds 
paid in are to become a "defense 
fund,'' with the cominittee author 
ized to use this money to tiid : sul)-_ 
scribing members 'in any litigatioh' 
brought by ASCAP against them, as 
long as the fund holds out. 

The escrow plan was unanimously 
adopted on the floor of -the- conven 
tion, even though the vote of tl^e 
unit 'leaders the night beforfr 
in formulating it was 16 for and one 
against. The contrary hand came 
from the lowarNebraska -unit. The 
convention also approved a pro- 
posal that film producers be called 
upon to include the performing 
rights in the. selling price of their 
product and td proceed- against 
ASCAP through the Department of 
Justiipe, test litigationv apd the inw 
troduction in Congress' of an amend' 
ment to the copyright law making 
it unnecessary for picture houses to 
Obtain music licenses. 

The commie issue, which had been 
on ' the convention's . agenda^ was 
quietly bypassed. . , Jack Kitsch, ak 
lied prez, when asked about it at the 
start of the Wednesday session (3 )i 
explained that a loaded calendar 
compelled its shelving, but other 
leader sources indicated that it ha:d 
been agreed 'by airing the thing the 
exhibs would only aggravate' a re' 
gretable situation. The intent had 
been to point out to the public thai 
the theatres only play what is given 
them and are not responsible for 
what goes on in Hollywood. 



SEC Finally Approves 



s 

Philadelphia. Dec. 9. . 
Thomaseolor, Inc., new color proc-- 
essing outfit in Los Angeles, received' 
an okay from the Securities & Ex- 
change Commission yesterday (Mon- 
day) to issue a proposed public oi- 
fering of 1,000,000 shares of $6 par 
value at $10 a share. SEC approval 
of the issue, by a three-to-two vote. 
Was made upon application of Thpm- 
ascolor jlor acceleration of the effec- 
tiveness of its amended registration 
statement. 

. Company's original statement was 
found by the commission, in a de-^ 
CiSion given last week, to be "gross- 
ly inadequate, misleading and 
incomplete." Outfit subsequently 
changed it tO meet SEC require- 
ments. . 



M-G, RKO Alone 



Popcorn Hcftcit Show. 

Milwaukee, Dec. •. 

Exhibit section of the Allied 
States convention offered an In- 
teresting sidelight on the state 
of tho theatro business. Not 
only did popcorn-vending ma« 
Chines dominate, and by far, thf 
exhibits but the highest-priped 
item on viev was not a project , 
tion machine hut a candystand. 

The stand, an elaborately me- 
chanical and debor^ted affair, 
was priced ft^ |B,<IOO, whereaii 
the projtisfton machines, with 
variou;B units, such as sound, In- 
cluded, sold for $2,000. The pop- 
corn kernel exhibitors went 
heavy on'' ih® glampr, using 
Semi-clad cuties to circulate 
'among the conventioneers with 
boxes of the freshly popped 
stuff. 



J Ansae's 1(^30 Cut to 50%; Sweden's 
5(^50 to 33%; Fordgn Embai^oes Rbe 



Metro and RKO are the only two 
of the majors stiU conducting bid- 
ding for their pictures. Rest'of them 
eportedly feel they've compiled 
enough evidence to prove to the 
U. S. Supreme Courti during the 
forthcoming hearings, that bidding 
woij't work, And, since- they'ye' lost 
money on their bidding tests, they've 
decided to giv« up the idea until 
the Court decides whether or not 
it's to foe made mandatory, 

Metro, it's revealed, is presently 
selling films on the auction block 
in some 75 situations and BKO in 
about ISO. Two companies continue 
to accept bids for their product on 
the assumption that all such situa 
tions . are strictly competitive in 
character. If - they; refuse tp accept 
bids and contintitf selling ijti ^uch 
situations to their old customers, it's 
felt they might be letting themselves 
open to more legal 'entanglements 
from those exhibs to whom their 
pictures would otherwise not be 
made available. 

Until a stay '. was granted on the 
anti-trust decree, all majors had 
been seUing;.Ki^ bidding under Sect 
9 pt the decre^. Thif eAjpined the 
distribs from r^usinjg to consider 
the application to license a film 
froni any exhib who could prove hp 
was competing for product,. . undef 
terms outlined by th^ decree, . iwith 
another theatrOi 



PCC's 914G 

Hollywoodi Dec. 9. 

Contributions to the Thiifd An. 
nual Appeal of the film ipdustry'; 
Permanent Charities Committee at 
the end of the sixth week amounted 
to $914,068, nearly 70% of the goal, 
Edward Arnold, chairman of the 
campaign, predicted the drive would 
he over by Christmas. 

Among the .studios. Paramount 
leads with $143,522, followed by 
Metro with $131,498. Total pledges 
fo date amount to ISilSfl. 




UA THEATRE CIRCUIT'S 
$l413,56a NET PROFIT 

United Artists Theatres turned in 
a net profit of $1,413,563 for the 
year ended Aug. 31, Report dis 
closes that the chain racked- up 
$910,0,98 from theatresvwholly owned; 
and another $5.03,467 from houses in 
which the company has less than 
100% interest. Included in the lat 
ter group are the Skpuras and Rand, 
force circuits, in which United Art' 
ists has a 90% interest through its 
holdings in Metropolitan Playhouses 

Gross profits front wholly-owned 
houses came to $1,515,703 from 
which are deducted $463,784 in es 
timated federal taxes; $67,439 for de 
preciation and amortization of the 
atre leaseholds; $24,904 for interest 
and $49,478 for. other items. 

Indicating the chain's' solid flnan 
cial position, report showed a total 
of $3,800,132 in earned surplus over 
liabilities. Sum was, reached after 
payment of all ■ dividends which 
totals $658,135 for the year. 

Cash holdings hit $1,677,686 and 
U. S. Government securities $1,389,- 
529. Other current assets bring the 
total to $3,228,577> Theatre invest- 
ments are computed at $5,674,774. Of 
this, value of holdings in partially- 
owned circuits is figured.'to be $3,- 
792,004. Chief of these chains are 
Metropolitan Playhouses and Robb 
& Rowley United. 

Important theatre operations in 
which the company and majors are 
interested "are expected to be ter- 
minated as a result of the Govern- 
ment's anti-trust litigation," report 
declares. 



Film Stocb Slid^ 
Hksi Hold on News 
Of RKO Diwy Cut 

Halving of RKO's fourth quarter 
dividend, coupled with rumblings 
that ^ number of other majors may 
follow -suit .on dividend I'eductions, 
had its e!ffect on WaU street, where 
some pix common dipped to new 
lows for. the year. At 4he same 
tiihe, there's been evidence of 
enough ' support oCOr the film stocks 
to prevent anything ' approaching a 
really sharp dive m quotes. RKO, 
with spotlite on it because of its an- 
nouncement of « I5c per share cash 
outlay in place of itsxustomary 30c, 
slipped most^a one point drop to 
8% over the .weekend. 

Paramount, Warner Bros; and 
20th-Co3c also hovered about new 
nows— partially, it's thought, be 
cause of the impact of RKO's reduc 
tion: Street, however, still believes, 
that film stocks have already been 
discounted for their prospective drop 
in profits. Hence, there's a feeling 
moderate «1 icing of divvies by other 
companies won't' knock the drops 
from under . price quotes. ' 

On the news of RKO's action. Par 
Went of( one point tp a dosing price 
of 70. Twentietll was down point 
tp 22 and Warners was off % to 12. 
Universal slid only an eighth to 15; 
Loew's, to 19,'- and Columbia held 
at \Pk. Since then all film stocks 
have held within fractions of week- 
end prices. 

Reduction of 15c per share on 
3,839,600 outstanding will save RKO 
some $575,940. for' the quarter, which, 
it would have paid out under the 
old rate. Current production costs 
and increasing difficulty in convert-^ 
ing' foreign currencies into dollars* 
makes the step desirable to conserve 
cash resources, RKO said in an- 
nouncing the cut. 

—At the beginning of the year, RKO 
had $40,021,142 in current and work- 
ing assets, of which somp $17,000,000 
was either cash. Government securi- 
ties or readily convertible assets. 
Additionally, company lias a $10,- 
000,000 revolving' fund for produc- 
tion purposes. . , « 
Sum ordinarily would have beeh 
sufficient but for the fact .that RKO'^ 
distribution wing wentointo the red 
for an estimated $600,000 during the 
third quarter.' It's again operating 
in the black,' but effect was sufficient 
to pull down profits to $l,7a9j284 fpr 
the quarter; On the 'generally ac- 
cepted sound financial rule that K 
-company should nOt pay more than 
50% of its net in dividends^ reduc« 
tion was felt necessary to avoid cash 
'depleiiont' ■.'' • ' 



Battered and beaten foreign out- 
look for the U. S. film industry suf- 
fered a bevy, of new blows this 
week. Australia, which only a few 
months ago agreed to allow 70% of 
earnings to be remitted tb the U. S., 
chopped the figure on Monday <8) 
to 5Q%— a loss of $1,454,000. 

Sweden, which lias been permit- 
ting remittances' bi {approximately 
50%, is about to slice that to 33 1/3%. 
Meanwhile the news from the most 
important foreign market of all- 
Britain — ^offers no particular reason 
for optimism. There's agreement on 
both sides of the Atlantic that a 
compromise on the British 75% tax 
is in order, but' there's been vir- 
tually no progress whatsoever in 
aphieving such, a compromise. 

This v^eek's move by Premier Ben 
Chifley's government in Australia 
came as a particvilarly hard blow, to 
tho American industry, as the 30% 
freeze which had been imposed was 
considered^ under the circumstances 
of the dollar shortage, fairly rea- 
sonable. It was hoped that it would 
prove a precedent for dealing with 
Britain, 

In some quarters, opinion was ex- 
pressed that the British also thought 
it might be a' precedent— too' much 
pf 'onl: It has been suggested' that 




Aud. Research 

Continued from page 3 tB 



school audience in an Ohio town 
and adults at previews of "Cross- 
fire** in Denvpr and Boston, the 
polls cross-checked each other v in 
disclosing that the film resulted, in 
a- more tolerant attitude not only to 
Jewish persons, but Negroes and 
other minority groupings as well. 
Report, however, points out that a 
single picture cannot be expected to 
produce a 'tremendously significant 
difference in basic attitudes." Effect 
of a film cycle of the anti-Semitic 
theme will be made the subject p| 
another study.-.. 

In its quiz of the high school audi- 
ence -before and after the screening 
of the film, poll revealed a marked 
shift in the students' beliefs towards 
a more liberal Viewpoint on such 
questibns' of superiority' of one re- 
ligion as against' another, racial dis< 
crimination, anti-foreign sentiments 
and 'anti-Semitism. One by-product 
of "Crossfire," as ". revealed in the 
poll, was a gain in prestige for law 
enforcement agencies. Despite dif' 
ferences in the student body, gen' 
eral reaction to the film, was that it 
made them "stop and think." 

Poll di adult audiences'at "Cross 
fire" in Denver and Boston, two 
typical American cities, also indl 
cated widespread Agreement with 
the film's point of view. Out of ap- 
proximately 1,200. replies, .77% in- 
dicated that they thought the film 
to be "very good" and 90% indicated 
they wouM recommend the film tO' 
their friends. . 

In . summary, i .committee of 
prominent psychologists, educators 
and religious leaders ^uded "Gross<^ 
fire" because it "would stimulate 
audiences to re-think many ideas of 
their own relating to prejudices of 
one kind or another. The picture 
has a quality which provokes re- 
fiection. this is good in itself, and 
reflects creditably on Hollywood." 



BRANDT EXITS FROM NX 
INDIES HE ONCE HEADED 

Harry Brandt, New York circuit 
operator and prez of the Indepen 
dent Theatre Owners Assn., -has 
ankled the Metropolitan Motion Pic- 
ture Theatre Owners Assn. of New 
Yorkr exhib group which represents 
over 90% of the theatres in Gotham. 
Brandt walked put of the organiza 
tion after surrendering his position 
as its chairman of the board of 
directors. 

His duties have been temporarily 
taken over by Fred Schwartz, 
MMPTOA prexy. Brandt was un- 
available yesterday (Tues.) on the 
reasons for the powder while other 
MMPTOA Officials though confirm- 
ing his resignation refused to com- 
ment 



they put pressure on the Australian 
government, with which they bear a 
close political affinity, to get tough- 
er. It is known, however, that the 
Aussies have, suffered a severe de- 
terioration of their dollar position 
^cp the original agreement was 
made this past summer, 

. Nothing Oflleial Yet 

American film companies hav« re- 
ceived mo pflicial notice as yet of 
the Australian move, although Mc- 
Neil Ackland, the- Motion Picture 
Assn.'s Aussie rep, is known to have 
been fighting off the possibility of 
such action for some weeks. Ac- 
cording to Australian cable advices, 
the cut becomes effective Jan. 1. 

Original ceiling on remittances, 
based on the 70%, was $6,686,000 for 
thp le months from Sept. 1, 1947, to 
Dee. 31, .1948.- New figure is $5,- 
232,000' for the same period. Remit- 
tances for Septeinber, October and 
November have been on the 70% 
basis. 

The 50% of income which cannot 
be remitted to the U. S. must be in- 
vested in Australia, in conformity 
With terms of the original agree- 
ment. This provides that the money 
can be used for making pictures, in- 
vesting in exchange and studio prop- 
erties and in government bo;ids. 
Sweden Also Still Unofficial 
Cut in Swedish remittances, indi- 
cated in Stockholm dispatches, like- 
Wise is not official so far as the 
American industry is concerned. 
Gerald Mayer, MPA international 
chief, has been in Sweden during 
the past few weeks attempting to 
save as much of the American in- 
come as possible. 

Currently in Copenhagen, Mayer 
is expected to return this Week to 
Stockholm for fur